Coronation Street viewers have made their feelings crystal clear following Ken Barlow’s surprise return to the Cobbles.

The Weatherfield veteran, portrayed by ITV soap icon William ‘Bill’ Roache, had been absent for a spell, leaving fans puzzled about his whereabouts back in July.

However, a few weeks back, Ken was spotted back at No. 1 Coronation Street, and during Monday’s (October 6) episode of Corrie, he was caught having a chat with Brody Michaelis (Ryan Mulvey).

The teenager found himself unexpectedly running the corner shop after a distressed Asha Alahan (Tanisha Gorey) left him in charge. Brody became curious about the book Ken was carrying, which turned out to be about the Spanish Civil War.

Ken mentioned he was revisiting the book, but when he asked the troubled lad if he recognised the author, Brody shook his head and pretended to be interested before confessing: “I hated history in school”, reports the Manchester Evening News.

However, it was Brody’s next remarks that piqued Ken’s curiosity. He revealed: “In the STC [Secure Training Centre], we had this teacher called Mr Osbourne, and he tried to get us to read this poem from World War One.”

“Sounds fabulous. In fact, the Mr Osbourne you’re returning to is my…” Ken began to respond, but Brody cut him off, grumbling: “He’d read us these poems and he’d get tears in his eyes.”

Ken appeared unimpressed as Brody switched topics to ask: “Have you got the right money?”

Corrie fans thoroughly enjoyed the scenes and were also taken aback by Ken’s seemingly ‘ageless’ looks.

Taking to X, one fan urged: “Give Brody and Ken a friendship – like Patrick and Oscar in #EastEnders – it could be a good way to redeem Brody’s character. #Corrie.”

A second remarked: “Ken Barlow and Brody Michaelis?!? I’d never think I’d see the day those two interact… #Corrie.”

A third pleaded: “Please, can we have a Brody and Ken unlikely friendship #Corrie.”

“Ken looks 21, reading history on the Spanish Civil War keeps you young #Corrie”, shared one fan.

“Ken Barlow is literally 5 years old. I want to know his secrets. #corrie”, added another.