Coronation Street’s Tommy Orpington Could Return as Star Teases “He’s Not Been Killed Off”
“There’s Room for Tommy to Come Back!”
Coronation Street favourite Matt Milburn has revealed he’s open to reprising his role as retired footballer Tommy Orpington, teasing that his character’s story isn’t over yet.
Speaking to Soap Scoop, the actor said, “There’s room for Tommy to come back! He’s not been killed off. Corrie, for me, is up there as one of the top jobs. Personally, it’s perfect.”
Matt, 45, first joined the ITV soap in 2016 and appeared sporadically over the years before enjoying a more regular run last year. His most memorable storyline saw Tommy begin an affair with Tracy Barlow (Kate Ford), much to the heartbreak of her husband, Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson).
The scandalous romance ended with the pair leaving for Spain, but fans have long wondered whether Weatherfield’s most famous footballer might make a comeback.
From Football Hero to Love Scandal
Tommy’s journey on the cobbles has been a rollercoaster. Once celebrated as Weathy County’s top scorer, he became a local legend adored by the likes of Steve and Tim Metcalfe (Joe Duttine).
His early appearances were light-hearted — hiring Michelle Connor (Kym Marsh) to plan his wedding and popping up at charity events — but his 2024 return turned everything upside down.
After retiring from football, Tommy swapped the pitch for a paintbrush, working as a decorator for Steve and Tracy. Unfortunately for Steve, Tommy scored again — this time with his wife. Their fling caused chaos, and when the affair was exposed, the pair fled to Spain where Tommy had landed a coaching job.
However, life abroad quickly soured. When Tommy accepted a new position in Southampton, Tracy refused to leave Weatherfield and her father, Ken Barlow (William Roache). Tommy chose his career, ending their relationship for good.
Matt Milburn on His Love for Corrie
Despite Tommy’s dramatic exit, Matt hasn’t ruled out another stint on the show. “Coronation Street is iconic,” he said. “If you’re an actor from the north, it’s on your bucket list. I’d love to go back — it’s been such a pleasure to be part of it.”
He added that his time on the soap also allowed him to reconnect with family in Manchester: “It’s filmed in my hometown, so I got to see everyone while working — that made it even better.”
A Family Legacy on the Cobbles
Acting talent runs in the family for Matt. His half-brother Greg Wood famously played Weatherfield villain Rick Neelan, the loan shark murdered by Gary Windass (Mikey North) in 2019. Greg is also known for his multiple roles in Hollyoaks, most notably as Trevor Royle.
Matt himself found fame in Hollyoaks as Joe Spencer, but says Corrie will always hold a special place in his heart. “You never know,” he teased. “There might be a window to come back in the future… who knows?”
Could Tommy O’ Return to Weatherfield?
With Tracy now back in the village and her love life in tatters once again, it’s easy to imagine Tommy reappearing — perhaps with unfinished business or a second chance at redemption.
As fans continue to speculate, one thing’s certain: Tommy Orpington isn’t done with Weatherfield just yet.