Rob Donovan's return to Coronation Street - his history with Carla and prison stint explained

Coronation Street is set to air the dramatic return of villain Rob Donovan this Thursday night.

Recently, Carla Connor was rushed to hospital and left distraught upon learning that her kidney damage is severe, requiring a transplant.

In scenes from the upcoming episode on Thursday, 9 January, Carla's nephew Ryan Connor offers to donate a kidney if he's a match, but she refuses to consider it.

However, Carla's attention is soon diverted when she realises her other nephew, Bobby Crawford, has disappeared, leaving her wondering about his whereabouts.

It transpires that Bobby has gone to Highfield Prison to visit his father and Carla's brother, Rob. The situation escalates dramatically when Rob discovers Bobby's intention to persuade him to donate a kidney to Carla, reports Lancs Live. How will he respond?

Long-term viewers will recall Rob, portrayed by Marc Baylis, from his previous stint on the ITV soap, but for those new to the show, here's a recap.

Rob first appeared on the cobbles in 2012 as Carla's estranged brother. He is currently serving a life sentence for the 2014 murder of Tina McIntyre, played by Michelle Keegan.

Rob murdered Tina in 2014 shortly after proposing to Tracy Barlow. In an attempt to stop her from reporting his illicit activities to the police, Rob chased Tina onto the balcony of the Builder's Yard.

When she attempted to leave, he shoved her and she tumbled from the roof, leading Rob to believe he had killed her. Although Tina survived the fall, Rob struck her with an iron bar. She was taken to hospital where doctors battled to save her, but she ultimately passed away.

Before his wedding to Tracy, Rob admitted to a suspicious Carla that he had murdered Tina after she pressed him for answers. In a shocking turn of events on Rob and Tracy's wedding day, it emerged that Carla had informed the police about Rob, prompting him to flee.

Marc - who played Rob - departed his role soon after when Rob was jailed for Tina's murder. Explaining his character's decision to kill Tina, Marc said of what happened on screen: "It is an accident – that wasn’t his motive when he went into the flat.

"He’s protecting his family... It happens as an accident. It’s not a black and white storyline, there’s a lot of grey areas. When Rob’s back is against the wall that’s when he’ll do an act that, from his point of view, is protection."

Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.

If you love your soaps pick up Love TV's Best of British Soaps, packed with all your favourite characters and storylines. As well as interviews and quizzes. Click here to buy or it's on sale at participating retailers.