It feels like the cobbles of Coronation Street have only just welcomed back Tracy Barlow (Kate Ford) – but the bad news is she’ll soon be gone once again.

The Corrie icon first departed Weatherfield back in April, as she left her family behind to start a new life with new lover Tommy Orpington (Matt Milburn) in Spain, much to the upset of her ex Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson).

Since being home, her friends and family have suspected there might be more to her return, but she has insisted she was just back for a visit – which turned out to be much-needed given daughter Amy Barlow’s (Elle Mulvaney) dealings with corrupt leader of The Insitute Rowan Cunliffe (Emrhys Cooper).

She has also been suspicious of Cassie Plummer’s intentions toward Steve, appearing jealous of their growing connection, despite supposedly being loved up with Tommy back in Spain.

On Friday, viewers saw how Tracy was thrown when she received a voice message from Tommy in which he begged her to come back and told her how much he misses her.

Turning to Amy for advice, her daughter told her to stop being so stubborn and follow her heart, and has now planned to give him another chance and return to Spain.

In scenes to air next week, Tracy has packed her bags and Amy, Cassie and dad Ken Barlow (William Roache) wave her off as she leaves for the airport with Steve.

Tracy has some surprising parting words for her ex when she tells Steve it’s obvious Cassie fancies him and he should go for it.

Will Steve take Tracy’s advice on board? And is this really the last we’ve seen of Tracy after actress Kate Ford’s 22 years on the Street?