Coronation Street bad boy Terry Duckworth is set to make an explosive return to the cobbles, bosses have revealed today.

The wayward character, played by Salford-born actor Nigel Pivaro, will arrive back in Weatherfield this spring, unaware that the son he sold is now living on the street.

Producers say his return – and the reason for his shock reappearance – will send shockwaves through the community.

He was last seen in the soap in January 2008 when he made a brief return for his long-suffering mother Vera's funeral. Actress Liz Dawn, who is battling an incurable lung disease, quit after 34 years and departed in an emotional screen farewell.

Producer Phil Collinson said: “I'm very excited to be welcoming arch villain Terry Duckworth back to Coronation Street.

“I grew up watching him duck and dive and break his parents’ hearts - a deliciously evil performance from Nigel Pivaro.

“This time though he'll not only be blighting the life of his son Tommy but the lives of every resident of Coronation Street with a typically audacious scheme.”

Bosses are promising a dramatic return with Terry set to face son Tommy, played by actor Chris Fountain, whom he sold to his in-laws as a young boy.

The character last caused a stir in 2010 when his on-screen acquaintances asked him back to the street to attend his father Jack's funeral. But he couldn't be bother to go – and failed to show up.

For the past five years, Pivaro has been working as a journalist, even completing a placement with the M.E.N.

But he says he now feels ready to reprise his role and was unable to refuse an invitation to return.

He said: “I am elated to be returning to Coronation Street which as a Salfordian has been part of my life for nearly fifty years not just as a character in the show but as a fan long before becoming an actor.

“I have lived with Terry for more years than not now and have come to realise that he exists in the minds of so many people that he is almost real.

“Despite enjoying so many other acting roles and spending the last five years as a journalist writing for a range of newspaper titles and making documentaries with the BBC’s Inside Out series, I am always proud to carry Terry with me.

“Part of the excitement is that the show has changed so much with so many different characters and set ups it will present Terry with a completely different landscape to that which he knew before.

“I am going to enjoy playing Terry rediscovering his roots, the changes that have taken place and his reaction to them.

“It will be strange and a little sad without my old sparring partners, Bill and Liz with whom I had forged such a strong working and personal relationship, but I relish creating an interesting new rapport with Chris who plays Terry’s son Tommy.”

How former Coronation Street star Kevin Kennedy - aka Curly Watts - helps addicts get on straight path

Trends on the telly: Here’s how Corrie’s award winners showed they are streets ahead for style

Twitter and Facebook campaign helped Coronation Street to National Television Awards triumph

This one’s for Betty Driver: Coronation Street triumphs at the National Television Awards

Coronation Street move to Trafford Wharf is a 're-birth', say bosses Tweet