Should a Rover Return?

They could explode Rita in the middle of the Red Rec or have Sunita burnt as a witch on Jubilee Terrace but it wouldn't matter at the moment. If it ain't the Olympics it ain't happening. Over on the BBC though, tucked away amongst compulsory Gary Lineker and people falling from pommel horses, a brief trailer for THAT OTHER SOAP is doing the rounds. It heralds the return of one of the show's original characters who we'll call Fat Sharon for the sake of this piece. Apparently, she is due to blow into town like a tornado and cause havoc. Apparently. Enough of Albert Square though. Fat Sharon's return did get me thinking about returning characters in general.

In terms of Weatherfield, as the years pass, there seem to be fewer characters for whom a re-tread across the cobbles would be worthwhile. I realise that there was a great deal of anguish in fan-land at the news that dear old Hilda Ogden would not be returning for Betty's funeral. A smart move. Any returning character would have overshadowed the final farewell of one of Corrie's finest. Other than that, there would be no real value in dragging Hilda back, other than for sentimental reasons.

Bringing Dennis Tanner back to the Street after a 43 year break might have looked a little mad on paper, yet it seems to have worked. The character was re-integrated into Street life and has now cemented his position by marrying the lovely Rita. Plus he came back with news of how Elsie had spent her remaining years, so thank you for that Mr T.

Sometimes though, the re-emergence of an old face can be a grave mistake. Step forward Bet Lynch. Her much-heralded 2002 return to the drama turned out to be a massive damp squib. Cocky, jovial, brassy Bet returned as some embittered back street bitch. For me, it didn't make happy viewing and it was less than a happy experience for Julie Goodyear too.

In my own slightly demented fantasy world, I hanker for an appearance from Suzie Birchall. OK, so almost thirty years after her last appearance, it's unlikely. From what I recall, actress Cheryl Murray was invited back on several occasions but cited ill health as her reason for staying away.

Realistically, any returning character should have as much impact on the existing cast as possible. A return should bring disquiet, the resurrection of old arguments, maybe old romantic feelings and the chance to tidy up unfinished business. Which is why we need a dose of Karen McDonald before the end of the year. I'd happily hand over a van-load of Olympic gold medals for the chance to see 'Barren Karen' stomp down the Street, maybe as a successful businesswoman, wreaking her horrible revenge on Tracy, causing upset for Michelle and confusion for Steve. A brief, fiery, memorable visit could be Santa Collinson's Christmas gift to the lot of us. I will ask for nothing else (he lied horribly...)

Should characters be resurrected for any old reason or should they have a purpose? Anyone who replies "Hilda" or "Mavis" can expect to receive a visit from a bellowing Dev.

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