Coronation Street star Martin Hancock always wonders how Spider would react to eco-stories

Martin Hancock always wonders how his 'Coronation Street' character would react to eco-stories in newspapers.

The 53-year-old star - who is set to reprise his role as eco-warrior Geoffrey 'Spider' Nugent after almost two decades away from the cobbles - admitted during his time away from Weatherfield he couldn't help but wonder what his character would think about certain headlines.

He told Inside Soap magazine: "I want to say that it was very difficult and challenging [to get back into the role], but I think part of me is Spider.

"I've always carried a bit of militancy with me, but not to the same extent. I like to think I'm Spider-lite!

"The funny thing is, going through the years when there's an eco-story in the papers, it does make me refer back to Spider and wonder how he would react - because I like to think that Spider is my better self."

Martin first played Spider from 1997 to 2003, and he'll be back after Toyah Battersby (Georgia Taylor) "puts a call out" for the activist community to help her protest about "binmen not meeting their responsibilities".

Spider answers the call, and viewers will be wondering how their past relationship plays into the upcoming plot.

The actor said: "Whenever those two have parted ways, it's always been with love in their hearts.

"The bottom line is - whether they're together or not - Spider thinks the world of Toyah, and it will always be that way.

"There are some partnerships that are partnerships for life whether it's together or as friends, it doesn't matter. Spider and Toyah are like that."

Toyah has dealt with a lot recently, including the death of her husband Imran Habeeb (Charlie De Melo), and there's a chance Spider could have more on his mind.

Martin added: "I think that Spider is a man who wants the best for everyone, but particularly for those he cares about.

"He's more than happy to be a shoulder to cry on - and who knows what else? You never know with Spider!"