Rover Returns: Liz McDonald is back in Coronation Street 20 years after first walking the cobbles

Beverley Callard is to make a return to Coronation Street as landlady Liz McDonald (PA)

Beverley Callard is heading back to Coronation Street more than 20 years after her first appearance on the cobbles.

The actress, who plays Liz McDonald, will be reunited with screen son Steve, played by Simon Gregson, in October.

Her character, who first appeared in 1989, was last seen two-and-a-half years ago when she left Weatherfield for Spain.

She said: "I am coming home and I can't wait. I am so excited to be back, I have missed Liz so it will be great to play her again. Hopefully her skirts will have a got a little bit longer but we will see.

"I have been getting texts from Simon (who plays Steve) saying we are going to rock the place and can't wait to work with Kym (Marsh, who plays Michelle) again and see if we can control the giggles."

Callard has previously said she feared she would struggle to learn her lines after suffering problems with her memory as a result of treatment for depression.

She received several sessions of electro-convulsive therapy in 2009 in an effort to tackle her illness, which proved to be successful.

But she said a role in a national tour of the play The Rise And Fall Of Little Voice proved that her memory had held up.

Coronation Street's producer Stuart Blackburn said: "I'm truly thrilled to welcome Bev back to the street. She's a fantastic actor and Liz McDonald is a truly wonderful character. It won't come as any surprise to learn that her return is sure to ruffle more than a few feathers - welcome home, Liz."

PA