The Rovers Return Inn on Coronation Street.
CORONATION Street star Mikey North has signed a new contract to take him into his 18th year on the cobbles.

The actor – who plays Gary Windass in the ITV soap – recently sparked concern he had left the show when his character failed to appear in episodes for months.

Mikey North as Gary Windass in Coronation Street.

Mikey North has signed a new contract to stay on Coronation Street for his 18th yearCredit: PA
Gary Windass in a coma in a hospital bed.

Gary was brutally attacked last month and has been in a coma
However he recently returned to screens after his quiet time and is now part of a major storyline – and it won’t end there.

The Sun can exclusively reveal that Mikey has signed on the dotted line for another year that will see Gary back at the forefront of the soap.

A source said: “Mikey loves working at Coronation Street and bosses love having him so it was a no brainer for him to sign for another year recently.

“Gary’s got a huge year coming up and it’s all just kicked off on-screen and it’s just the beginning.

“There’s going to be a lot of Mikey on screens in the coming months.”

Viewers watched recently as Gary mysteriously disappeared after a row with wife Maria.

He had no idea he was being used by Lou as a way to get back at Maria, with her framing him for a cheating night of passion.

Gary stormed out and went to stay with his mum Anna Windass, but then failed to return.

When Maria realised he had left Anna’s and was heading home but had never arrived, she began to worry.

Meanwhile viewers discovered that Gary has been in a coma after being brutally attacked and left for dead.

Watch the moment Coronation Street’s Gary Windass is left dripping in BLOOD after explosive fight with new arch enemy

He is in hospital with a mystery woman calling herself his wife and calling him Chesney.

The mystery of what happened to Gary and who the woman is is set to be solved next week.

Coronation Street has been contacted for comment.