Coronation Street star's real wife to join soap after his shock death and he's 'so proud'

A Coronation Street star's real-life wife is set to join the soap - months after his on-screen death. Back in April, viewers of the ITV soap saw Rufus Donahue face an unknown visitor at his home.

The businessman was seen in his plush abode, which boasts its own swimming pool, as the music blasted out while he waited to see Michael Bailey, who he had offered a fancy new job in London.

It came after things ramped up a notch between Rufus and Stephen Reid, who was forced to agree to Rufus’ demand for 50% of the profits from the Nippersnapper deal when he learnt of the serial killer's plans to take over Underworld by drugging Carla Connor with LSD to make her think he psychosis had returned.

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After accepting a job from Rufus following a run-in with Stephen, Michael arrived at his house to see him but his knocking received no reply and, hearing loud music from inside, he called him and left him a voicemail. The no-show came after Rufus was earlier seen answering the door and asking: "What are you doing here?"

Later, Michael tried to smooth things over with Stephen, but his uncle Ronnie advised him to give Rufus another try. So they both returned to Rufus' house only to find it swarming with police before learning that he had been found dead in the swimming pool. And a flashback later confirmed it was Stephen who killed him.

And next week in Corrie, Stephen will be forced to face his recent past and viewers will have to watch and see whether Stephen feels any guilt when he comes face-to-face with Rufus' wife. Widow Lou calls at Underworld and tells Stephen and Michael Bailey she’s cancelled their meeting as the inquest report into