Coronation Street fans have been left scratching their heads over the mysterious absence of one of the cobbles’ most complicated residents: Gary Windass. Played by Mikey North since 2008, Gary has been a fixture of Weatherfield’s darker storylines—from violent crimes to buried secrets—but has been noticeably missing from screens for much of 2025.

Last seen in the January 6 episode, Gary’s lack of presence hasn’t gone unnoticed by the Corrie faithful, especially considering his deeply woven connections to Maria, their children, and a past soaked in blood and guilt. But viewers can rest easy—Gary is set to make his return to the street in the coming weeks, and it sounds like he’s walking straight back into yet another personal and financial dilemma.

Gary’s journey on Coronation Street has been anything but linear. Once a hot-headed army veteran, he gradually transformed into one of the soap’s darkest anti-heroes. It all spiraled in 2019 when, neck-deep in debt, Gary orchestrated the devastating collapse of the Underworld factory roof—a desperate move that led to the tragic death of Rana Habeeb. The event shocked viewers and cemented Gary’s shift into villain territory.

Not long after, Gary killed ruthless loan shark Rick Neelan in a brutal forest confrontation. While technically self-defence, the act weighed heavily on Gary’s conscience, especially as he kept the truth hidden from everyone around him. Ironically, it was Rick’s daughter, Kelly Neelan—whom Gary took under his wing—that forced him to confront the full emotional cost of his actions.

But redemption is never out of reach on Corrie, and Gary’s more recent chapters have seen him try to walk a straighter path. He’s been focused on his family life with Maria Connor and their two sons, Jake and Liam. He’s also been running a modest furniture shop, attempting to leave behind his shadowy past. That quieter life, however, may soon face a shake-up.

According to early spoilers, Gary’s return will be marked by a pivotal conversation at Roy’s Rolls. He’ll confide in Maria that the shop isn’t doing well and that he’s seriously considering selling it in order to buy the builder’s yard. It’s a bold move—but Maria, ever the realist, is quick to remind him that their finances won’t stretch that far.

It’s then that Gary turns to an unlikely confidant: Mick, played by Joe Layton. Mick encourages Gary to go through with the purchase anyway, insisting that following his instincts is not only best for him—but also for Maria and their family.

The question remains: is this Gary genuinely trying to level up for his family, or are we witnessing the first domino of a new crisis about to topple? With Gary, ambition and desperation often dance a fine line, and viewers know all too well how far he’s willing to go when he feels cornered.

Fans have speculated that Gary’s quiet absence might be tied to a larger storyline bubbling under the surface. Could the builder’s yard be more than just a business investment? Will this move place him at odds with another resident—or force him to revisit old alliances and enemies? After all, in Weatherfield, the past is never truly buried.

Whatever lies ahead, Gary’s return is bound to stir things up. Whether it reignites tension with Maria, triggers echoes of his darker days, or opens a new chapter in his redemption arc, there’s no denying the impact he has when he’s on screen.

And for fans who have followed Gary from hot-tempered teen to complex anti-hero to doting dad, the upcoming episodes promise a compelling continuation of one of Coronation Street’s most layered characters.

Welcome back to the cobbles, Gary Windass. Let’s just hope the builder’s yard doesn’t come with another body count.