Kate Ford has reportedly returned to filming on Coronation Street for a short stint.

The actress has played the part of the iconic Tracy Barlow since 2002 but made a surprise exit from the cobbles in April as Tracy moved to Spain with ex-footballer boyfriend Tommy Orpington (Matt Milburn), leaving husband Steve (Simon Gregson) devastated.

According to The Sun, Tracy will make a brief return to Weatherfield later this summer to "deal with some Barlow family drama" before leaving again.

The newspaper says that Ford is on a pre-planned break and has not left Corrie permanently, and following her summer stint, she will be back full-time later in the year.

A source said: "Tracy's a Corrie institution all on her own - she will never be far from the cobbles even when she lives halfway across the world.

"She makes a brief trip back for a week later this summer to visit her family and deal with some Barlow family drama."

In episodes to be shown next week, Tommy O returns to the street - albeit without Tracy - for the unveiling of his bust at old club Weatherfield County, leaving Steve determined to use the opportunity to exact some revenge.