CORONATION Street pulled off a major coup by bringing back legendary serial killer Richard Hillman in tonight’s Christmas Eve episode.
The businessman – played by actor Brian Capron in the ITV soap – died in 2003 when his plan to drown Gail, Sarah, David and Bethany failed.
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Gail Platt is terrified by the killer’s return in today’s Coronation StreetCredit: ITV
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Richard Hillman is back – but what does he want with Gail? Credits: ITV
Chilling scenes at the end of today’s episode see Brian reprise his iconic role as he returns to the cobblestones 21 years after seemingly dying in a canal.
As Gail wakes up from a nap on the sofa, she finds a man rummaging through her dresser and at first thinks it’s Jessie’s husband-to-be.
However, this is not so and the truth is much more terrible.
“Try again,” says the man, adding, “I see you’ve changed the carpet here.”
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Terrified, Gail says, “Who are you? What do you want?”
Richard then introduces himself by saying, “Hello Gail.”
The comeback has been months in the making and was planned shortly after Helen Worth told bosses she would be leaving the show after 50 years.
The Sun can exclusively reveal the lengths to which bosses have gone to keep the return a secret.
A source said: “It was a major operation to be aware of.
“Brian was smuggled on and off the set in the back of a car under blankets to keep him away from prying eyes.
Richard Hillman met his maker when he buried his car in a canal with Platt inside
“And his and Helena’s scenes were shot on a closed set with a small crew.
“It’s a real throwback to what is arguably Gail’s biggest story from her time on the show and a celebration of that.”
Brian is also set to appear in the Christmas episode of Coronation Street, while Helen bids farewell to the series.
Speaking about her date, Helen said: “This year seemed like the perfect time to leave the show after celebrating 50 years in the most wonderful job on the most wonderful street in the world.
“I have been truly blessed to receive the most amazing scripts week after week and to work with fantastic actors, directors and a brilliant crew.
“The past 50 years have flown by and I don’t think I’ve quite come to grips with the fact that I’m leaving.”
Coronation Street Christmas and New Year schedule
ITVX will not be hosting early episodes for several days, but soap bosses are yet to confirm which dates will not have an early release
Monday 23 December – 8pm ITV1 & ITVX
Tuesday 24th December – 8.45pm ITV1 & ITVX
Christmas Day – 7pm ITV1 & ITVX
Boxing Day – no episode
Friday 27th December – 8pm ITV1 & ITVX
Monday 30 December – 8pm ITV1 & ITVX
Tuesday 31st December – 8.15pm ITV1 & ITVX
New Years – 7pm ITV1 & ITVX
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education