ITV Coronation Street confirms Tracy Barlow future after actress Kate Ford seen enjoying lengthy break

Coronation Street has given a major update on Tracy Barlow as spoilers for next week have revealed her return to Weatherfield, months after she followed new love interest Tommy Orpington to Spain.

Back in April, viewers of the ITV soap saw Tracy, played by Kate Ford, saying her goodbyes to her family - 47 years after she first appeared on the cobbles when she was born on-screen in an episode in January 1977.

She has been mentioned since, with ex-husband Steve McDonald still bruised that she dumped him for his footballing hero and with daughter Amy Barlow still very much on the street.

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But next week in the ITV soap, Tracy is back. Upon her return, she is shocked to find out that Ken is employing Cassie Plummer as his carer, leaving Cassie to take offence. Later, Tracy explains she’s back to see Amy but Ken senses there’s more to it.

The news of Tracy's return comes after Kate shared her love for her co-star as she shared an update from her 'happy place'. The actress took to social media last week and shared a string of snaps from her recent visit to Champneys Spa.

Kate looked chilled as she laid back in the sunshine before heading inside for some treatments. She looked relaxed as she kept covered in one of the spa's fluffy white dressing gowns. She also shared pictures of the food she got to eat during the trip and posed for a fresh-faced selfie before heading home.

Captioning the post, the soap star wrote: "Back in my happy place for a few days thank you @champneysspas it was glorious !! Special mention to the amazing spa girls Ashley and Sofia