Coronation Street fans were surprised to see a familiar face on the ITV soap as Yasmeen Metcalfe court appearance played out.
It has been months since Paula Martin has been seen on the programme, but she has returned amid the abuse storyline.
The lawyer, played by Stirling Gallacher, appeared as if from nowhere right at the end of Monday’s episode, just as Yasmeen was about to enter her plea following her attack on her evil husband Geoff.
As she did, the camera looked down on her defence team, where Imran Habeeb, with Paula sat on the bench in front of him.
She wasn’t on the screen for long, but viewers were quick to spot her after such a long absence.
The last time we saw her on the programme was when she had a one night stand with Tracy Barlow.
Fans are now hoping that she will become a permanent fixture on the programme as Yasmeen’s fate is decided.
Paula is an old school friend of Sally Metcalfe - the husband of abuser Geoff’s son, Tim.
One tweeted: “Ok have I missed something... is Paula Yasmeen's lawyer/barrister or is she Geoff?”
Another replied: “She must be helping Imran, or maybe just working in the courts. Geoff hasn't been arrested or anything like that so can't be that. JMO of course.”
Elsewhere someone else posted: "Is that Paula sitting in front of imran is she helping yasmeen during her trial?"
Another said it was “brilliant” she was back.
Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 7:.30pm on ITV.
