Coronation Street fans prepare for fireworks as Natasha Blakeman returns to the cobbles

She was last seen in 2010 waving goodbye to Weatherfield from the back of a cab.

But Natasha Blakeman will be returning to Coronation Street to stir up the past with her ex-boyfriend Nick Tilsley.

Hapless Nick is reunited with his former love in a chance encounter at the hospital  10 years after her dramatic departure left him heartbroken.

Hairdresser Natasha, played by Rachel Leskovac, returns during a particularly fraught time in Nick’s (Ben Price) relationship with girlfriend Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson).

Natasha’s presence seems likely to deepen the rift between the unhappy couple as Nick yearns for the one that got away.

After her dramatic exit following a failed suicide attempt and tragic abortion, there is bound to be plenty for Natasha and her former flame to catch up on.

When asked about her return to the cobbles, Bradford-born actress Rachel, 44, said: ‘I am very excited and proud to be welcomed back to Coronation Street, especially as so many old friends are still there.

‘It’s always great to be able to return to a character to explore a whole new path for them.’

Natasha will be back on screen from September when the cat will be put among the pigeons.

Filming for Britain’s longest running soap resumed last month as lockdown restrictions began to ease and half-finished episodes were finally completed. 

An amusing outcome of the stilted filming has been a series of hilarious continuity errors from magically appearing tans to spontaneously sprouted beards. 

Viewers spotted a major continuity blunder during a recent episode, which saw Nick Tilsley go from clean-shaven to bearded in a matter of moments. 

Actor Ben Price, who plays the role, was seen in an early-morning scene, in a dressing gown, freshly-shaven.

But in his next appearance, which saw him dressed for the day, he sported a rough stubbly look. 

The cast and crew are now also subject to a string of safety measures around the set in order to adhere to social distancing. 

Coronation Street continues Wednesday at 7:30PM on ITV.