Three new characters are set to make their arrival on the cobbles of Weatherfield in the coming weeks as they become embroiled in storylines with some of the show’s most iconic faces

Coronation Street is set to welcome a fresh batch of male characters to the cobbles, following the departure of several key cast members. Earlier this year, Colson Smith (Craig Tinker), Sue Cleaver (Eileen Grimshaw), Charlotte Jordan (Daisy Midgeley), Luca Toolan (Mason Radcliffe), and Shelley King (Yasmeen Metcalfe) all announced their exits from the beloved soap.

The first new face to grace Weatherfield is James Bailey, previously portrayed by Nathan Graham, who will make his reappearance on March 17. The role of James has been taken over by Silent Witness actor Jason Callender, who returns to visit his sister Dee-Dee Bailey, played by Channique Sterling-Brown, after living in the US with his partner Danny.

“James is bringing a lot of warmth, a little bit of love, charisma and a little bit of charm,” said Callender.

READ MORE: BBC Countryfile’s Matt Baker makes ‘special’ announcement minutes into episode

Another newcomer is Theo Silverton, played by The Archers star James Cartwright. He manages to ruffle feathers with both Julie Carp, played by Katy Cavanagh, and Tony Maudsley’s George Shuttleworth – before Todd Grimshaw, played by Gareth Pierce, steps in to help him mend fences.

Cartwright, whose character will debut on March 25, said: “I think Theo is a good guy, he comes in with the best of intentions, as most people do, but he may upset some people with his behaviour.” On April 11, audiences will meet Carl Webster, a character not unfamiliar to the show’s history, but a fresh face on the cobbles.

“World War Z” actor Jonathan Howard, set to portray the new character, has revealed: “Carl is Kevin and Debbie Webster’s little brother, they have different mums so he’s a bit younger than they are.”

He elaborated on his role, explaining, “He comes into Weatherfield to ostensibly be with his brother because he’s found out he’s got cancer but then we’ll discover Carl’s got some money issues back in Germany where he’s been living.”

The storyline heats up as Carl gets involved in an altercation with Abi Webster, played by Sally Carman-Duttine, over a car parking space, only to learn she is his sibling’s spouse. In an unexpected twist, Jack P Shepherd seemed to indicate the departure of his iconic role, David Platt, after commenting on “This Morning” about how it would have been “nice” to hit a 25-year milestone on the popular ITV soap next month, yet suggesting the forthcoming episode signifies “the end”.

Amidst these character shake-ups, Toolan’s character has been written off from the show, with departures for Cleaver and Jordan scheduled for spring and early summer, respectively. These exits follow the poignant goodbye to Helen Worth’s Gail Rodwell, who left “Coronation Street” after a remarkable 50 years during an emotional Christmas Day special.

Coronation Street airs on weekdays on ITV1 and is available to watch on ITVX.