Characters from the past are frequently brought back to life on Coronation Street, but nobody could have predicted that upbeat Mike Thornberry (played by Louis Emerick) would return so soon after departing Weatherfield in June.

The previous boyfriend of Liz McDonald (Beverley Callard) is rumored to return to the ITV series later this year after a brief absence.

The witty cabbie won over many admirers and became well-known for wooing Steve McDonald’s (Simon Gregson) mother Liz.

Louis, however, revealed in April of this year that he was leaving the show after a three-month run.

According to recent sources, the 58-year-old actor will play Mike once more, and it is very possible that he will eventually return to Liz.

In March, Louis told Digital Spy: “We’ll see what happens afterwards. He left the door open for him to come back.

I’ll be pleading with the door not to throw me out.

32 years ago, Louis made his debut on Coronation Street in a quick cameo as he delivered furniture to The Rovers Return after it had burned down.

After that experience, he applied for a few additional parts on the show, but he never imagined returning and had “given up the ghost” on returning to Coronation Street.

“I’ve been up for a couple of parts before and kind of got close,” Louis continued. Even though I’m a great supporter of it, I just assumed that it probably won’t happen right now.

“As an actor, you watch it and wonder if there are characters you might be connected to, but I’d kind of given up hope of ever getting in.”

“One role I considered was Tony, but he ended up dying, so I don’t want to go that route,” he concluded. The other role was played by the wonderful Derek Griffiths.

I lost against Derek, who is a nice guy to lose to, but I now have my time, so that’s okay.

Louis’ persona After learning that Liz was having an affair with married Johnny Connor (Richard Hawley), Mike departed Coronation Street.

Before departing the cobbles, Mike confronted Johny about his extramarital relationships with Liz after being sacked by Street Car owner Steve.

When Mike departed the show, many were heartbroken and begged Liz to keep him in Weatherfield.

“Liz, what are you doing letting the lovely Mike get away all for the sake of the awful Connor!” one fan tweeted.

Someone else said, “Run Liz run. Why would you choose the ‘rotten’ Johnny Connor instead of the charming Mike?

A third responded, “Goodbye Mike. I hope Louis has a good future. Success to you, @THELouisEmerick.

ITV’s spokesman has been approached by Express.co.uk for comment.