Coronation Street’s most infamous villain, Richard Hillman, shocks fans with his haunting return.

Coronation Street fans were left stunned this Christmas Eve as Richard Hillman, the soap’s most notorious villain, made a dramatic return to Weatherfield, two decades after his reign of terror ended in his demise.

The shocking twist unfolded as Gail Platt, played by Helen Worth, prepared to bid farewell to her life on the cobbles after an incredible 50 years. With plans to start anew in the south of France alongside fiancé Jesse Chadwick (John Thomson), Gail’s departure seemed destined for a happy ending. But this is Corrie, and happiness doesn’t come without a price.

The festive cheer quickly turned sour when Gail discovered Jesse’s betrayal. The revelation, brought to light by her mum Audrey Roberts (Sue Nicholls), exposed Jesse’s secret dealings with Gail’s troubled son, David (Jack P Shepherd). Feeling betrayed and heartbroken, Gail left her own farewell party, retreating to the solitude of No. 8 to gather her thoughts.

But the drama didn’t end there. As Gail drifted into a restless sleep, viewers were treated to a chilling scene as Richard Hillman, played by Brian Capron, appeared before her. The sight of the ghostly figure of her murderous former husband loomed over Gail, sending shivers down the spines of fans who remember his horrifying reign in Weatherfield.

Richard Hillman, dubbed “Norman Bates with a briefcase,” was a financial advisor turned killer who wreaked havoc in the early 2000s. His crimes included the murder of his ex-wife Patricia, and an attempt to kill Gail and her family by driving them into the canal. His death in 2003 marked one of the most memorable moments in British soap history.

Now, two decades later, Hillman’s return has reignited those dark memories for Gail – and the audience. But why is he back? Actor Brian Capron offered some insight into this spine-chilling plot twist. “Richard’s return is symbolic,” Capron explained. “He represents Gail’s inner fears and unresolved guilt as she tries to leave behind a lifetime of memories, good and bad. It’s a psychological moment rather than a literal haunting.”

For Gail, the vision of Richard Hillman may serve as a grim reminder of the traumas she has endured during her time in Weatherfield. Yet it also sets the stage for a poignant goodbye as she confronts her past before moving forward.

Fans have flooded social media with their reactions, with many praising the writers for bringing back one of the show’s most iconic villains in such a dramatic fashion. “This is classic Corrie,” one fan wrote on Twitter. “They’ve managed to mix nostalgia, fear, and excitement all in one go!”

As Gail’s departure from the street draws nearer, viewers are left wondering how this haunting encounter will shape her final days on the cobbles. Will she find peace and closure, or will the ghost of Richard Hillman continue to overshadow her journey?

With Gail’s farewell storyline already packed with twists, it’s clear that Coronation Street has no intention of letting fans off the emotional rollercoaster just yet. And as the Platt family grapples with yet another explosive Christmas, the cobbles of Weatherfield remain as unpredictable as ever.