CORONATION Street viewers are convinced a huge character is on their way back to the cobbles.
Although last seen two decades ago, a recent development has got fans thinking a return is imminent.
Candice Stowe (Nikki Sanderson) appeared on the ITV soap from 1999 to 2005.
She was best friend to Sarah Platt (Tina O’Brien) – and godmother to her daughter Bethany (Lucy Fallon).
After leaving Weatherfield, Nikki went on to play Maxine Minniver in rival soap Hollyoaks.
Having debuted in 2012, however, she will be departing the show later this year.
Reacting to this news, one fan wrote on an online forum: “She’ll be back in Corrie by end of the year.”
Another penned: “I agree with the other comments and think she will leave to go back to Corrie.”
A third penned: “Brilliant news. No character has had their day as much as Maxine.
“Would welcome a Candice return in Corrie.”
While a fourth commented: “Would be good for Sarah to have a friend again plus she had a relationship with Adam Barlow – maybe shake things up a bit with him and Alya.”
The Sun revealed how Nikki had told Hollyoaks bosses that she’s keen to step back at the end of her current contract.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Hollyoaks star Nikki Sanderson shows off rarely seen underboob tattoo as she strips off to model bikinis ” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6334021454112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]Meanwhile, the 40-year-old is set to film her emotional exit scenes next month.
As Maxine, Nikki has featured in plotlines including domestic abuse mental illness during her Hollyoaks stint.
[authenticated-scripts src=”%3Cscript%20class%3D%22palin-poll%22%20src%3D%22https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesun.co.uk%2Fpollingwidgets%2Fv3%2Fwidget.js%3Fquestion_id%3D107668%26game%3Dpolling%22%3E%3C%2Fscript%3E” type=”embedded” width=”100″ /]A source told The Sun: “She met with bosses and told them of her plans to leave, she’d just turned 40 and felt the time was right to say goodbye to Maxine.
“She’s keen to explore other opportunities and is excited to get back out there.
“Bosses have been plotting Maxine’s exit storyline for months and have promised it will be a fitting tribute to the character, and viewers can expect a lot of drama before she goes.”
The source added: “She will film her final scenes next month, which will go out on-screen in May.”
Could Corrie fans soon see Candice Stowe back on the cobbles?
Coronation Street continues on ITV1 and ITVX.
