Coronation Street fans are in for a treat as veteran actor Phil Middlemiss, known for his portrayal of Des Barnes, is making a triumphant return to soap operas. The 60-year-old actor, whose last appearance on the cobbles was 26 years ago, is set to join the cast of the BBC medical drama Doctors.
Middlemiss gained fame for his role as Des Barnes, captivating audiences from 1990 to 1998 on the long-running ITV soap Coronation Street. His character’s dramatic exit, where Des met a tragic end while trying to save his stepson from assailants, left a lasting impression on viewers.
In Doctors, Middlemiss will take on the role of DI Travis Lennox, marking his return to the small screen after his departure from Coronation Street. Fans of the Birmingham-based medical drama can anticipate Middlemiss’s appearance, even though details about his character’s storyline remain under wraps.
Despite the anticipation surrounding Middlemiss’s comeback, there’s uncertainty about the longevity of his stint on Doctors. Recent reports indicate that the BBC is considering axing the 24-year-old show due to budget constraints caused by “super inflation in drama production.
Screenwriter Philip Ralph expressed dismay over the decision to potentially end Doctors, calling it a “disastrous decision” that impacts not only the cast and crew but also loyal viewers who have followed the show for decades.
Middlemiss’s return to the soap opera scene brings nostalgia for fans who fondly remember his time on Coronation Street. His character Des Barnes, initially introduced as a newlywed, underwent numerous trials and tribulations during his tenure, including a remarriage to Natalie Horrocks, portrayed by Denise Welch.
As Middlemiss prepares to grace screens once again, viewers eagerly await his performance on Doctors, hopeful for another memorable chapter in his soap opera career.
