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Coronation Street bosses have decided to bring back former Hollyoaks star Tony Hirst as Weatherfield firefighter Paul, it has been confirmed today.

Inside Soap reports that the actor, best known for playing Chester's Mike Barnes, will be the fireman who Eileen Grimshaw (Sue Cleaver) falls for as part of the Street's "summer of love".

Hirst previously appeared in Coronation Street's 50th anniversary episodes late last year as Paul was among the rescue team who dealt with the tram crash disaster on the cobbles.

Ryan Thomas, who plays Eileen's son Jason, told the magazine: "I'm guessing Jason's not going to like this guy, as he never likes any of the men his mum dates!

"We've really been missing the older male figure in the Grimshaw family set-up, so I'm over the moon that Tony's going to be joining the show. He was amazing in the live episode and he's a top guy."

During a recent interview on This Morning, Coronation Street's producer Phil Collinson confirmed that it won't be plain sailing for Eileen and her new man.

Collinson said at the time: "Eileen's going to have a nice big romance with a fireman. But he's got a bit of a secret - it's the best tradition of soap! It's not going to be easy."