ITV Coronation Street couple torn apart as fans 'work out' return of villain

Coronation Street enthusiasts could be in for a surprise as a familiar face might be making a comeback to the ITV soap, potentially causing a stir in the Dobbs household.

Alina Pop, portrayed by Ruxandra Porojnicu, first graced the cobbles in 2019 and has had two stints on the popular show. The Romanian beauty was involved in a gripping human trafficking storyline that captivated viewers nationwide.

Devoted fans will recall how Seb Franklin (Harry Visinoni) found out she had been brought to the UK to work in a nail salon, with her 'boss' seizing her passport to stop her from going back home.

After finally breaking free from her employer's harsh control, she quickly left the country to reunite with her family. However, the 30-year-old actress didn't stay away from the soap for long, returning in February 2020.

Keen to make Coronation Street her permanent residence, she soon caused a rift between Tyrone Dobbs (Alan Halsall) and his long-term partner Fiz (Jennie Mcalpine). There was an instant attraction between her and Tyrone, leading him to end his nine-year relationship with Fiz.

The pair moved into the salon flat together, but Tyrone's pyromaniac daughter Hope (Isabella Flanagan) was not happy with her father's new love interest.

Determined to break them up, she started a fire in the flat which tragically resulted in Alina miscarrying her baby.

In a dramatic twist, the beloved TV star revealed she was expecting again just weeks after a heartbreaking storyline. The final straw for the on-screen couple came when it emerged that Tyrone had been dishonest about Hope's troubling behaviour.

By September 2021, the expectant mother made plans to return to Romania, but Tyrone caught up with her at the Chariot Square Hotel, desperate to salvage their love and be part of his child's life.

Despite Tyrone's earnest appeals, Alina told him she wasn't actually pregnant, claiming a mix-up with her dates. However, in a poignant scene at the airport, Alina was seen sipping tomato juice and tenderly touching her growing bump, hinting otherwise.

Since her exit, viewers have clamored for her return to the show, possibly with a young child this time. Fueling speculation, Metro.co.uk reported that the actress was recently spotted in Manchester, sparking rumours of her comeback.

Just last week, an ecstatic fan posted a photo with the adored actress outside the soap's Trafford studios on X, expressing gratitude on social media: "@RuxPorojnicu Thank you SO much Ruxandra for the photo and autograph today, it's always lovely to meet you."

The Dobbs family at Number 9 could be in for a shock, with their household already stretched to its limits following Fiz's return last year.

Ever since the fiery redhead returned to Underworld from her business trip to Norwich, she has moved into the family home which has seen an influx of new residents.

Alongside Hope and Ruby (Billie Naylor), the devoted mother is also sharing the space with Tyrone's mum Cassie (Claire Sweeney), and his grandmother Evelyn (Maureen Lipman).

Fans will have to keep watching to see how the Dobbs family will handle the potential return of Tyrone's ex to Weatherfield.

Coronation Street broadcasts on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8pm on ITV1 or catch up ITVX.