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Coronation Street could be welcoming back a soap icon in a significant Ken Barlow development.

Ken (William Roache) has remained a cornerstone of the cobbles since his first appearance in 1960 when the actor was merely 28 years old - and it wasn't long before he captured the hearts of viewers.

As the programme's longest-serving character, Ken has featured in numerous major storylines. From his own 'whodunnit' to discovering he has a secret son, Ken's time in Weatherfield has been anything but quiet.

His romantic relationships have frequently been the subject of discussion amongst viewers too. He's been involved with the likes of Denise Osbourne (Denise Black) and Susan Cunningham (Patricia Shakesby).

He was also married to Deirdre Barlow (Anne Kirkbride) until she died in 2015, reports the Daily Star.

However, fans now believe one of Ken's former partners could make an unexpected comeback almost three decades after she was written out.

On a Coronation Street Facebook fan page, viewers have speculated about Alma Baldwin (Amanda Barrie)'s return. Fans will remember Alma originally joined the soap in 1981 for a short period before becoming a regular fixture from 1988 until 2001.

Throughout the years, audiences witnessed the supermarket worker wed fellow icon Mike Baldwin (Johnny Briggs), and will also remember her business venture with Gail Platt (Helen Worth) when they operated the café for several years and her enduring friendship with Gail's mother Audrey Roberts (Sue Nicholls).

She also endured a harrowing ordeal in 1997 when her former lover Don Brennan (Geoffrey Hinsliff) forced her into a taxi and plunged it into a canal, though Alma fortunately managed to escape by swimming to safety.

Alma briefly dated Mike's rival and bitter enemy Ken during a short spell in 1991 following her split from Mike. Tragically, in 2001, Alma received the devastating news that she had cervical cancer following an earlier misdiagnosis – and it was terminal.

Heartbreakingly, Alma passed away at friend Audrey's home, surrounded by those closest to her – Mike, Ken and Audrey. Now, with the soap well-accustomed to resurrecting deceased characters, fans believe Alma could be poised for a return to the cobbles.

"Could Alma be brought back as a ghost? I believe the actress is alive 90 odd? Could be a storyline with Roy or Audrey having dreams about Alma in the cafe?" mused one person. Another added: "I'd love this."

A third wrote: "It would make more sense than some current storylines tbh."

Coronation Street airs Monday to Friday at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX