Mikey North, who has portrayed Gary Windass on Coronation Street since 2008, has been notably absent from the cobbles for much of this year, leaving fans wondering about the character’s fate. Gary’s tumultuous past, filled with dark twists and deep regrets, has made him one of the show’s most complex figures.

Gary’s journey began with a series of morally questionable actions, including his orchestrating the Underworld roof collapse in 2019, a tragic event that claimed the life of Rana Habeeb. His dark history continued with the violent self-defensive murder of loan shark Rick Neelan, a secret he carried for years, despite the emotional toll it took on him. Gary’s sense of guilt began to unravel when he grew protective of Rick’s daughter, Kelly Neelan, and his actions were challenged by his own moral compass.

In recent years, however, Gary has shown signs of redemption. He remains in a steady relationship with Maria Connor (played by Samia Longchambon), and the couple is focused on raising their sons, Liam and Jake, while running Gary’s furniture shop. Despite the attempts at moving past his troubled past, Gary’s character is far from free of the baggage that continues to weigh on him.

Fans have been anxiously waiting for Gary’s return after his last appearance on January 6. The character’s sudden absence had left many curious about his storyline, but they need not worry, as Gary will be making a comeback in the coming weeks. In his return, Gary will be found confiding in Maria at the café about the struggles his business is facing, hinting at the possibility of selling the furniture shop and purchasing the builder’s yard instead.

Maria, concerned about their financial situation, worries about the feasibility of this plan. Gary, however, will seek advice from Mick (played by Joe Layton), who encourages him to follow through with his decision, believing that what is best for Gary will ultimately benefit Maria too. This new venture signals a fresh chapter in Gary’s ongoing journey, and fans will be watching eagerly to see what challenges and developments await him as he tries to balance his past sins with his future ambitions.