Coronation Street’s Tommy Orpington could return as star teases ‘he’s not been killed off’
Former Coronation Street star Matt Milburn has said he’s keen to reprise his Tommy Orpington role after leaving the ITV soap earlier in the year.
The actor, 45, has appeared sporadically on the ITV soap since 2016, with a more regular stint having aired last year when Tommy engaged in an affair with adoring fan Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson)’s wife Tracy (Kate Ford).
He and Tracy subsequently jetted off together after their dalliance was exposed – though Tracy later returned to the Street.
The Weathy County footie player was a fan-favourite during his time on the long-running serial, but could we see him back again?
‘There’s room for Tommy to come back!,’ actor Matt said when discussing the possibility.
‘He’s not been killed off. Corrie for me, it’s up there as one of the top jobs. For me personally, it’s perfect.’
Continuing to Soap Scoop, he added: ‘It’s such an iconic show and I think if you’re an actor from the north, particularly my age as you’ve grown up with Corrie, I think you’d be mad if it wasn’t on your bucket list of jobs to do.
‘I’m really thankful that I’ve had the opportunity to go there and be given a role on it. You never know – there might be a window to come back in the future. Who knows?’
Matt’s return to the cobbles last year was to facilitate a break for Kate Ford, with Tracy only returning for guest appearances throughout the rest of the year.
Tommy Orpington’s story so far…
Known for being Weathy County’s top scorer, Tommy first appeared on the cobbles in 2016.
Adored by many – including Street legends Tim Metcalfe (Joe Duttine) and Steve – he was considered a hero to all.
His first story on the show saw him ask Michelle Connor (Kym Marsh) to organise his wedding to partner Chantelle, which delighted die-hard fan Steve.
After years of sporadic appearances, Tommy would become somewhat of a regular in 2024 as part of a storyline that saw his reputation as the local hero change forever.
Tommy had given up his footballing career and retired, instead turning to painting and decorating, being employed by Steve and Tracy to renovate their bedroom.
Unfortunately for Steve, Tommy O’ brought new life into the room in more than one way – dipping his brush into more than just a tin of Dulux.
Soon after, the pair left for pastures new – to Spain, where he’d landed a coaching position.
In February, she revealed that his job contract was coming to an end and that they were going to move to a swanky new home in Cheshire.
Tracy was on cloud nine, overjoyed that she wasn’t having to return to the terraced streets of Weatherfield and could continue to live a very wealthy life.
However, there was trouble in paradise. Tommy had accepted another coaching job, this time in Southampton.
That would mean yet another relocation, and Tracy didn’t want to leave her dad Ken Barlow (William Roache) behind in the wake of being drugged by Cassie Plummer (Claire Sweeney).
Ultimately for Tommy, he chose his job over his love life, and she was left devastated.
Matt’s real-life family connection to the cobbles
Matt found fame on Hollyoaks, where he played Joe Spencer for three years.
But Corrie was always his calling, especially once a member of his family landed a part on the show.
‘You know, I’m a Manc. My family’s from Manchester, it’s filmed in Manchester,’ he explained.
‘Logistically it’s always been great for me as well. I get to see all my family whilst I’m there doing filming.’
Matt is the real-life brother of Greg Wood, who portrayed cobbles gangster Rick Neelan.
He clashed with a number of locals, namely Gary Windass (Mikey North), who retaliated in 2019 in a bid to save his family, murdering Rick and burying his body in the woods.
He was also the dad of Kelly, who was played by Doctor Who actress Millie Gibson.
The character, much like Tommy O, had featured in a recurring capacity, appearing on the show over a decade-long period between 2009 and 2019.
Actor Greg is also known for playing multiple roles in Hollyoaks, namely Trevor Royle, who died in fiancée Grace Black’s (Tamara Wall) arms on their wedding day.