Coronation Street fans were left stunned when Tommy Orpington, the charming former footballer-turned-builder, quietly exited the cobbles, leaving behind unfinished business and plenty of broken hearts. Now, actor Matt Milburn, who brought Tommy to life with warmth and charisma, has finally spoken out about the reasons behind his character’s departure — and whether there’s a chance he might one day return to Weatherfield.

In a recent interview, Milburn opened up about his bittersweet farewell to the ITV soap, describing the experience as both emotional and liberating. “Playing Tommy Orpington has been one of the best roles of my career,” he said. “He’s a character with a big heart, a bit of charm, and a lot of vulnerability underneath the bravado. Saying goodbye wasn’t easy, but it felt like the right time — for both me and for Tommy.”

For months, viewers had watched Tommy’s storyline slowly evolve from a lighthearted subplot about a retired footballer finding a new life in construction to something far more complex. His brief romance with Tracy Barlow, his growing friendship with Tim Metcalfe, and his struggle to adjust to life after fame gave the character real emotional depth. However, when his final episode aired, many fans felt his exit came too suddenly — and too quietly.

Milburn explained that his departure was a creative decision made in collaboration with the show’s producers. “There was always a plan for Tommy’s story to have a beginning, middle, and end,” he shared. “He came to Weatherfield as a man trying to reinvent himself, to prove that he was more than just a washed-up footballer. And in a way, I think he succeeded. But every good story needs an ending, and Tommy’s journey reached a natural pause.”

Still, that word “pause” has left fans hopeful. When asked whether this really is the end for Tommy, Milburn smiled knowingly. “Let’s just say I never say never,” he teased. “I love Coronation Street. The cast and crew are like family. If the right storyline came along — something that made sense for Tommy and for the audience — I’d be there in a heartbeat.”

The actor’s comments immediately reignited speculation among fans that Tommy might make a dramatic return in the future. On social media, Coronation Street viewers began sharing theories about how the writers could bring him back. Some imagined him returning to Weatherfield after a major life change — perhaps a business success or a shocking fall from grace. Others hoped he might reappear to reunite with Tracy or even stir up new drama with the Barlow clan.

Milburn seemed amused by the rumors but didn’t rule anything out. “I’ve seen some of the fan theories, and they’re brilliant,” he said. “What’s amazing about Corrie is that it’s such a living, breathing world. People leave, they come back, they change — just like real life. So who knows what the future holds for Tommy Orpington?”

The actor also reflected on what made Tommy such a beloved figure among viewers. “He wasn’t perfect, and that’s what people liked about him,” Milburn explained. “He had flaws, he made

The actor also reflected on what made Tommy such a beloved figure among viewers. “He wasn’t perfect, and that’s what people liked about him,” Milburn explained. “He had flaws, he made mistakes, but he always tried to do the right thing. I think audiences saw a bit of themselves in him — that struggle to start over, to prove yourself, to find your place again after life doesn’t go the way you planned.”

Behind the scenes, Milburn developed close friendships with several cast members, including Joe Duttine (Tim), Kate Ford (Tracy), and Sally Dynevor (Sally). He described the Coronation Street