Robert Preston will turn up unexpectedly at Deirdre's funeral - to the surprise of Tracy. Grieving over the sudden loss of her mum, and newly single following the end of her affair with Tony Stewart, it isn’t long before Tracy falls into the arms of Robert.
But chef Robert has omitted to tell her one detail about his new life since they split - he is still married to his second wife (played by Sarah Harding from Girls Aloud) who quickly arrives in Weatherfield to lay claim to her man.
Robert will land a job at the Bistro, but will he win Tracy round after she finds out the truth about his wife?
Tracy married Robert in 1996, she had an affair in 2002 and eventually divorced Robert, much to Deirdre’s dismay. The role of Robert was originally played by actor Julian Kay.
Tristan who played Consultant Adam Trueman in Casualty for five years starts filming this week and will be on screen in July. He has been signed up for a year. His other credits include London's Burning, Death in Paradise, Atlantis and on stage in The Bodyguard.
Corrie producer Stuart Blackburn said: “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.”
Tristan said: “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.”
See also the following as we get ready to say goodbye to Deirdre Barlow:
Interview with Kate Ford (Tracy Barlow) on saying goodbye to her on-screen mum
Interview with William Roache (Ken Barlow) on saying goodbye to his on-screen wife
Interview with Corrie scriptwriter Damon Rochefort on writing out a legend from the show
Deirdre to die on her 60th birthday, July 8 2015.
Peter Barlow and Bev Unwin are returning.
Coronation Street build their own graveyard to film Deirdre's funeral
The funeral has been written by scriptwriter Damon Rochefort
Deirdre's death has been explained here.
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