Jake Parry, 23, who first appeared on Coronation Street as baby Simon Barlow in 2003, is making a dramatic return to the ITV soap after more than two decades away. This time, he will be playing a brand-new character named Damo, a mysterious man involved in a scuffle outside Speed Daal in episodes set to air on May 26.
From Simon Barlow to Damo
Jake originally shared the role of Simon Barlow with his twin brother Oscar, appearing as the newborn son of Peter Barlow (Chris Gascoyne) and Lucy Richards (Katy Carmichael). The twins exited the soap later that year when Lucy gained custody and moved to Australia. Simon returned to Weatherfield five years later following his mother's death, with the role taken over by Alex Bain, who played the character until 2024.
Jake announced his comeback on TikTok, posting a trailer and writing: "Catch me as DAMO next week. For anyone wondering, I played Simon Barlow with my brother when I was a baby. I have now came back as a different character DAMO which is out next week." Fans responded with excitement, with one commenting: "Look forward to seeing you in this!"
Explosive Scenes Ahead
Spoilers reveal that Damo appears during a shift at Speed Daal, where Brody Michaelis faces trouble from rowdy businessmen who spill curry on his trainers. Idris Nazir (played by Junade Khan) steps in to confront the men, demanding cash for the ruined trainers before kicking them out, playing the hero in front of a surprised Leanne Battersby and Brody. Alya Nazir and her partner Adam Barlow are also present.
Later in the episode, Idris is seen bumping into Damo in a secluded ginnel, grabbing him for a private chat. This hints at a deeper connection between the two characters, leaving fans speculating about Idris's motives and Damo's role in the storyline.
Fan Reactions and Cast Insights
Fans were divided when a trailer teased Idris's arrival. One viewer said: "About time Alya had another relation on the Street... Looking forward to seeing what Idris brings to the show." Others expressed concerns, with comments like "PLEASE don't make it drugs related!" and "Not another gangster!"
Actor Junade Khan, who plays Idris, described his character as "multi-layered and incredibly ambitious," adding: "As a child, he suffered a lot of hardship and neglect, so he's had to overcome those obstacles entirely on his own. He's a lone wolf - the black sheep of the family who has made a name for himself. He's addicted to success and the finer things in life, but there's a real vulnerability there, too."
Coronation Street airs weeknights at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
