Actress Jenny Platt is set to reprise her role as Violet Wilson on Coronation Street after a 16-year absence, with filming already underway. The 44-year-old first appeared on the ITV soap in 2004 and left in 2008, returning briefly in 2011. Her character, Violet, is the mother of Dylan Wilson, played by Liam McCheyne, whom she shares with Sean Tully (Anthony Cotton).
Violet's return is tied to a challenging storyline involving her son Dylan, who has been implicated in the bullying of Liam Connor, played by Charlie Wrenshall. The bullying, led by Mason Radcliffe (Luca Toolan), has escalated to the point where Liam contemplated suicide. Dylan joined Mason's behaviour and now faces consequences, requiring support from both parents.
Anthony Cotton, 48, who plays Sean Tully, teased the return, saying: 'Tomorrow, after 16 years, Jenny Platt, who plays Violet Wilson, is coming back. She's not coming back permanently, but she's coming back.' He added that they have tried to bring her back in various ways, and that he has remained in touch with Platt and co-star Rupert Hill.
The storyline sees Liam's mental health deteriorate as he searches online for ways to kill himself, but he is interrupted by his mother, Maria Connor (Samia Longchambon). Maria later discovers the extent of the bullying after creating a fake social media account to monitor her son. The episode, airing on Wednesday 20 March, will show Liam's search history being uncovered when his laptop is returned to school.
