Corrie viewers saw Dee-Dee Bailey quietly go through with christening her daughter Laila on tonight’s episode and the event marked the return of Adam Barlow after his absence

Viewers were thrilled by a character’s return on Coronation Street tonight after having not been seen for some time. The resident ended their absence by making an appearance at a special occasion in Weatherfield.

The latest episode of the ITV show saw Dee-Dee Bailey (played by Channique Sterling-Brown) quietly christen her daughter Laila away her family. She organised the event behind the back of her brother James Bailey (Jason Callender), who’s in the process of adopting his newborn niece. Fans saw Dee-Dee and other attendees gather at the Viaduct Bistro following the ceremony to celebrate the occasion. Adam Barlow (Sam Robertson) and Alya Nazir (Sair Khan), who are Laila’s godparents, were with her, alongside vicar Billy Mayhew (Daniel Brocklebank), who led the service.

Adam Barlow (played by Sam Robertson, right) made his return on Coronation Street

It marked Adam’s on-screen return after fans had noticed that he’s been absent for months. The character is said to have last appeared in March prior to tonight’s episode, though there was no mention of where he’s been in the scenes.

One fan wrote on X in May: “Where’s Adam Barlow May I ask? Last seen onscreen 7th March 2025. Somebody do something.” Another said: “I’ve just realised something about #Corrie. Where the hell has Adam Barlow disappeared to?”

Questions over the character’s whereabouts have continued more recently. Last month, someone asked: “Where’s Adam these days? And Ken??”

Addressing his return this week, one fan asked this evening: “Bloody hell. Where has Adam been?” Another said: “OMG ADAM BARLOW RETURNS!” A third wrote: “Adam finally comes back and ruins lives. Welcome back, sweetheart. Nice new ‘do as well”

Someone else reacted: “Adam! Welcome back. We haven’t seen you since March. Hopefully you’ll have a story now.” Another viewer said: “Adam Barlow! Welcome back, hun. Can they make Adam and Alya interesting now please?”

Adam made his presence known in tonight’s episode though as he inadvertently prompted a confrontation between Dee-Dee and James. It came after he had asked Dee-Dee why her brother hadn’t joined them to celebrate, with her making excuses.

James later turned up at the bar and questioned his sister on her decision to christen Laila after he had previously dismissed the idea. Asked how he found out, James revealed that he had received a text from Adam about the gathering.

He shared the message, which read: “The christening was great. I know you’re not into God mate but come and toast your daughter.” Adam said: “Now I’m thinking it wasn’t the best idea.” He however said he was “trying to do a nice thing”.

They were guests at a christening organised by Dee-Dee Bailey (Channique Sterling-Brown, centre left), with the service led by Billy Mayhew (Daniel Brocklebank, left)(Image: ITV/Coronation Street)

Dee-Dee explained: “You know how much I wanted this for her. I tried to talk to you, James.” She added: “I asked you and you said ‘no chance’.” He responded: “So you went and did it anyway?” Dee-Dee said: “I’m sorry but you had no respect for my wishes.”

Alya and Adam went to get some treats so the siblings could talk the situation through. Later, Dee-Dee apologised for lying James but said that she was doing what she believed to be right. He questioned if he can trust her now though.

Coronation Street continues tomorrow from 8pm on ITV, ITVX, STV and STV Player.