"Coronation Street Fans Stunned by Soap Icon’s Surprise Return After 18-Month Absence"

Coronation Street Fans Celebrate Surprise Return of The Kabin After 18-Month Hiatus
By Laura Fox, Associate Showbiz Editor | Updated: 12:44 BST, 10 August 2025

[Image: George Shuttleworth (soaked) outside The Kabin]
Caption: George Shuttleworth’s humorous exit from The Kabin sparked comparisons to Pride & Prejudice**

Coronation Street viewers were thrilled Friday as the beloved Kabin made a surprise return to screens after an 18-month absence. The iconic corner shop, a staple since 1973, last appeared in February 2024 but stole the spotlight in a cheeky scene involving undertaker George Shuttleworth (Tony Maudsley) and Jenny Connor (Sally Ann Matthews).

In the episode, Jenny enlisted George to fix plumbing issues at the Kabin, leading to a playful nod to Colin Firth’s famous Pride & Prejudice lake scene. Emerging drenched from the shop, George drew laughs as Jenny quipped, “You look like Mr. Darcy!” The pair traded flirtatious banter, with Jenny teasing George over his plumbing “innuendos.”

[Image: The Kabin’s exterior]
Caption: The Kabin, a Weatherfield landmark since 1973, returned to screens after a long hiatus

Fans flooded X (formerly Twitter) with excitement:

• “THE KABIN IS BACK! Best episode in ages!”
• “Finally, some classic Corrie vibes!”
• “My highlight of the week!”

A Nostalgic Legacy
The Kabin debuted in 1973 and became a cultural touchstone under iconic duos like Mavis Wilton (Thelma Barlow) and Rita Tanner (Barbara Knox), later run by Rita and gossipmonger Norris Cole (Malcolm Hebden). Currently managed by Brian Packham (Peter Gunn), the shop remains a hub for drama and nostalgia.

[Image: Rita and Mavis behind The Kabin counter in the 1990s]
Caption: Rita Tanner and Mavis Wilton helmed The Kabin for 24 years

Corrie’s Streaming Success
The comeback coincides with ITV’s announcement of record viewership since making episodes available on ITVX from 7 a.m. daily—a move mirroring EastEnders’ BBC iPlayer strategy. In 2025’s first quarter, Coronation Street and Emmerdale garnered 124 million streams, contributing to ITVX’s 1 billion streams this year—a 35% increase from 2024.

[Image: Fan reactions on X celebrating The Kabin’s return]
Caption: Social media erupted with joy over the Kabin’s comeback

As Weatherfield’s quirks and classics blend with modern twists, fans hope the Kabin’s return signals a revival of the show’s cherished roots.

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