Coronation Street fans were in for a surprise on Saturday evening (March 30) when they spotted a familiar face from the soap opera in the latest episode of Casualty. The BBC’s medical drama focused on student paramedic Indie Jankowski (Naomi Wakszlak) and Jacob Masters (Charles Venn), who were summoned to Wyvern Prison following a stabbing involving a prisoner.

Upon their arrival, they were greeted by pandemonium as a fight had broken out among the inmates. Upon reaching the cell, they found an inmate lying on the floor with a stab wound to his stomach.

Indie was visibly distressed as she observed her patient writhing in agony. The wounded prisoner whispered something to Indie before trying to touch her hand, but she pulled away, unintentionally dislodging the knife lodged in the man’s body.

As the episode unfolded, it was revealed that the stabbing victim was Samuel Jankowski, Indie’s estranged father. While Indie’s family secret was unveiled, soap opera fans were delighted to see former Corrie actor Martin Hancock playing the role of Samuel.

The 56-year-old is most recognised for his portrayal of Spider Nugent in the long-running soap, a character he has intermittently reprised over 26 years. Martin’s most recent appearance in Corrie was two years ago when Spider exited Weatherfield following his refusal to quit his undercover police duties, despite being put in a tough spot by his long-term partner, Toyah Battersby, portrayed by Georgia Taylor.

Martin first graced the streets of Weatherfield in 1997, and waved goodbye to the famed cobbles in 2000 – but he wasn’t gone for good. He returned in 2001, seeking financial aid from his on-screen aunt, and harbouring aspirations to start a juice bar business in London.

By 2003, Spider had convinced Toyah Battersby, who’d become jaded with life in the north, to relocate and start over with him in the south. Spider became an instant hit with the audience, earning acclaim for his unique perspective, eccentric fashion sense, and committed environmental activism.

Coronation Street fans were excited to see Martin appear on Casualty and took to social media to share their enthusiasm. A surprised viewer posted on Facebook: “Watching Casualty is Martin Hancock who played Spider.”

The comment sparked a flurry of reactions, one person acknowledging: “It does look like him”, while another confirmed: “I’ve just Googled it. Its definitely the guy who played Spider in Coronation Street.”

However, not everyone agreed instantly – another user wrote: “I don’t think so”, which was quickly rebutted with a sure “Yes it is!”. Another fan added to the conversation by noting: “Well spotted! I watched last night and didn’t realise it was him”.

The discussion raged on when one individual remarked: “Looks nothing like him”, but the debate was seemingly settled as another countered with: “Yes it is, he was in the closing credits!”.