Coronation Street's Rob Donovan, played by actor Marc Baylis, is back on the ITV soap(Image: ITV)

Coronation Street Rob Donovan's return and who he killed as Marc Baylis rejoins ITV soap

Coronation Street's Rob Donovan, played by actor Marc Baylis, is back on the ITV soap for the first time since 2017 - but why is Carla Connor's brother in prison?

by · The Mirror

Rob Donovan makes his return to Coronation Street this week, as Carla Connor's brother, played by actor Marc Baylis, makes a discovery.

But who exactly is Rob, why is he in prison and who did he kill? Rob joined the ITV soap in 2012 as Carla's brother, and he soon embarked on a romance with Tracy Barlow.

Back in 2014, he murdered Tina McIntyre, played by Michelle Keegan, and he was later sent to prison. Since then, Rob has had appearances across 2015 to 2017, including when Carla found out her real father was Johnny Connor - while Rob also escaped prison at one point.

He has not been onscreen for the past eight years but what brings him back now and what is ahead for the prisoner? With his son Bobby now on the show too and living with Carla, what exactly has gone on over the past few years.

Marc joined the show in 2012 as Rob, and he was close with sibling Carla. But Carla could not protect him when she found out he'd murdered Tina, shoving her off a balcony before hitting her over the head.

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Rob Donovan makes his return to Coronation Street this week( Image: ITV)

Shortly after when the truth came out about Johnny, Carla told Rob never to come looking for her and she made it clear she wanted nothing to do with him. Rob has sought redemption in the past, claiming to regret killing Tina every single day, but after his brief escape he's remained in prison ever since.

But now with his sister seriously ill, his return is sparked by son Bobby visiting him in prison and asking him to be Carla's kidney donor. Doctors have informed Carla she needs a transplant, but will she accept Rob as her donor after everything?

Tina is the only person he has killed so when the residents discuss his killer ways, this is what they will be referring to. Bobby hasn't been in touch with his killer dad in years, but it seems his return isn't a short stint by any means.

Back in 2014, he murdered Tina McIntyre, played by Michelle Keegan( Image: ITV)

Actor Marc has reprised the role for some big scenes ahead it seems, with Corrie boss Kate Brooks hinting he will come between Carla and her girlfriend Lisa Swain. Not only that, but it appears the siblings have a big storyline ahead that delves into their past.

Kate told The Mirror: "It’s not just a couple of episodes – it’s a good chunk. He killed Tina, but we can get over that. He comes back to the show and we think he might be a reformed character who has seen the error of his ways, but whether that’s the case or not, I don’t know!

"He definitely comes back and causes a lot of trouble for Carla and Lisa. It’s a big story for them and a big story for Rob. Lots of twists and turns. I love Rob and Carla. I love tapping into their history together, and we really explore that through this story. There’s so many twists and turns along the way, it’s really exciting. It’s going to be eventful for Carla and Lisa."

Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 and ITV X.* Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .