Coronation Street quietly recasts character as they make surprise return to cobbles after a year-long absence

CORONATION Street viewers were stunned last night after a character's surprise return after a year-long absence.

Glory Bailey, daughter of Street regular Michael Bailey (Ryan Russell), reappeared after quietly being recast.

She had been absent from the show since earlier this year and had only been mentioned on screen by her family members including dad Michael and grandfather Ed Bailey (Trevor Michael Georges) in recent months.

However, the character, who was previously played by Eleanor Beckles and now Mayia M, made a surprise return as she helped to out the secret that Dee-Dee, who is her aunty, was pregnant with her murdered ex Joel Deering’s baby.

Little Glory revealed the hidden pregnancy test box to Sarah Platt (Tina O’Brien) who had dropped by to visit Dee-Dee while she was babysitting her niece.

The character then popped up again on Wednesday night’s instalment of the soap as she joined her dad and grandad for a game of cricket on the cobbles.

The game resulted in a scare for pregnant Dee-Dee after the cricket ball accidentally hit her in the stomach, almost revealing her pregnancy to her unaware family.

Child actor Eleanor had played the toddler since her arrival in 2021 and was still credited as playing her up until her final appearance earlier this year.

But it has now been confirmed that Mayia M has now taken over the role as the character looks set to feature more often in the coming months.

Confirming the recast, acting agency The Drama MOB, which is run by Corrie legend Tina O’ Brien, wrote on Instagram: “Welcome to Coronation Street Maiya!

"Who caught our beautiful Maiya last night making her debut as ‘Glory Bailey’? Maiya’s first episode just happened to fall on her 4th birthday, so it was a double celebration!

"Maiya started filming for the role a few months ago and took over from Eleanor - another little Drama MOB star!”

It went on to add: “We cannot wait to see more of Maiya on our screens, Maiya joins a long list of Drama MOB stars playing roles on Coronation Street and we couldn’t be prouder.”