Coronation Street fans spot clue Keith Duffy is returning to soap after 15 years

Coronation Street fans are convinced the ITV soap dropped a hint about Keith Duffy’s return as Ciaran McCarthy

Coronation Street viewers are convinced the soap has hinted at Keith Duffy’s comeback more than a decade after his departure.

The Boyzone star joined the ITV soap in 2002, taking on the role of Irish charmer Ciaran McCarthy. Keith stayed on the cobbles until 2005, before returning from 2010 to 2011.

The barman featured in several major storylines, including his relationships with Michelle Connor (Kym Marsh) and subsequently Tracy Barlow (Kate Ford).

Keith’s interpretation of the character garnered him considerable recognition as a soap “sex symbol”, earning him nominations for British Soap Award’s Sexiest Male in 2010 and 2011.

Nevertheless, Keith, who rose to prominence in Boyzone alongside Ronan Keating, Mikey Graham, Shane Lynch and the late Stephen Gately in 1993, departed Coronation Street in 2005 to spend more time with his family in Ireland, reports the Daily Star.

He made a comeback five years afterwards and left the subsequent year once more to concentrate on family commitments and other projects, with his character departing in 2011. Yet, on the cobbles this week, viewers are adamant the soap has teased Keith’s return.

In a scene behind the Rovers, Maggie Driscoll (Pauline McLynn) joked about Ben (Aaron McCusker) being fond of Boyzone during his childhood. “If I remember correctly you liked the other lot. Boyzone,” Maggie said, prompting Eva (Catherine Tyldesley) to laugh.

A sheepish Ben then replied: “Thanks for that Ma!” Responding on a Coronation Street Facebook fan page, one viewer said: “What would happen in Coronation Street if Peter Barlow returned and his ex navy friend Ciaran played by Keith Duffy(Boyzone) returned to visit him? Ben quoted Boyzone last night in the pub.”

Another person chimed in: “Maybe it’s foreshadowing.” A third added: “Bring Keith Duffy back ! He is gorgeous x.” Sharing similar sentiments, another fan declared: “That would be exciting.”

Meanwhile, earlier this year, Keith discussed the possibility of a Coronation Street return during an appearance on Loose Women. When questioned about his character’s current whereabouts, Keith replied: “He’s in the Caribbean making food on a ship. He went off the cobbles in a little black taxi and he’s in the Caribbean somewhere…”

Keith then shared: “He could come back. I don’t think he [Brian McFadden] would give me enough time off. Boyzone were supposed to come back and do a 40 date tour. Brian wouldn’t have it, we had to do two nights instead. He wouldn’t let me go. We have contacts signed with each other.” Brian then quipped: “I have a prenup on him, just in case he decides to run off!”

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