Former Casualty star Tristan Gemmill is joining the cast of Coronation Street as a show regular.
The actor has landed the role of Robert Preston, who is the ex-husband of scheming Tracy Barlow.
Tristan Gemmill
© ITV
Tristan Gemmill
Robert will return to Tracy's life in the summer when he turns up unexpectedly at the funeral of her mum Deirdre.
With Tracy grieving following her mother's sudden death and also newly-single after splitting from Tony Stewart, she quickly seeks comfort by falling back into Robert's arms.
However, if Tracy harbours any hopes for a full reunion with Robert, it won't be easy for her as he is still married to his second wife - something he has neglected to tell her. Played by former Girls Aloud singer Sarah Harding, Robert's wife quickly joins him in Weatherfield to fight for her man.
Chef Robert will settle into life on the Street by landing a job at the Bistro, but fans will have to tune in to find out whether he manages to win Tracy around after his initial deception.
Gemmill has landed a one-year deal with Coronation Street, ensuring that there is plenty of drama to come for him on the cobbles.
Speaking of his casting, he commented: "I'm excited to be joining such an iconic show. Coronation Street is a great British institution and it will be a huge challenge to meet the expectations of its devoted audience. But it is a challenge I am really looking forward to."
Coronation Street's producer Stuart Blackburn added: "Tristan is a fantastic and classy actor who will bring a real gravitas to the role of Robert Preston. We're all delighted to have him on board and I can't wait to see him striding down those famous cobbles."
Gemmill will start filming at Coronation Street this week and appear on screen from July. He is best known for playing Adam Trueman on Casualty for four years.
Robert tied the knot with Tracy in 1996, but they divorced after Tracy had an affair in 2002. Actor Julian Kay previously portrayed the character.
Corrie insiders revealed the return of Robert in early April, when an actor had yet to be cast in the role.
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