Iconic Emmerdale star Glenda McKay is making her grand return to soapland in rival show Coronation Street.

The actor played Joe Tate’s mother, Rachel Hughes, in the ITV soap from 1988 until 1999, when she was killed off.

It has been 26 years since she stepped away from acting following her dramatic Emmerdale exit, but she is set to hit our screens once more in Corrie.

A source told The Sun that she will play a social worker named Alison Hale, who works with Tim and Sally Metcalfe.

The Michaelis children – Brody, Joanie, and Shanice – are staying with the Metcalfes after their mum Lou was sentenced to four years in prison for the attack on Gary Windass.

The couple have said they are happy to keep the children together while their mum is behind bars, but a scream from the garden is set to threaten that when a social worker and psychologist arrive at the home.

“The news that Brody, Joanie, and Shanice can all stay together with support from Tim and Sally is a huge relief for Brody – he hated the thought of his little sisters being separated,” an insider told Digital Spy.

“Despite Brody’s hardman act, he cares deeply for his family and only wants what’s best for them.

“Just when it seems like all is well, though, the scream shocks everyone. This could destroy Brody if it affects the custody decision…”

Last night’s episode saw Brody have a run-in with Aadi Alahan over the spiking incident, with Aadi admitting to his dad Dev that it was Brody who brought drugs to the party.

The fallout saw Brody lose the opportunity to work at the shop that Bernie Winter had secured for him, leaving him furious and unsure how to provide for his sisters.