has announced the return of James Bailey to Weatherfield, albeit with a fresh face due to a recasting of the character.
James is the youngest offspring of Ed and Aggie Bailey, and sibling to Michael and Dee-Dee. Loyal viewers of the soap will remember the arrival of Ed, Aggie, and their two sons on the Street in 2019. They were later joined by Ed’s brother, Ronnie Bailey, in early 2021, and in 2022, audiences were introduced to the much-discussed Dee Dee.
James was seen pursuing a promising football career during his stint on the cobbles, all while concealing his sexuality. In 2020, his ex-lover Danny Tomlinson inadvertently revealed his secret on social media, and although James officially denied the story, he came out as gay to his family. He publicly came out the following year to pursue a relationship with Danny. James was subsequently promoted to Weatherfield County’s first team in 2021.
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A member of the Bailey family has been recast (Image: ITV)
However, the next year, he collapsed during a local match with the Rovers Return and was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, leading to his removal from the squad. He then accepted a coaching position at a youth centre in Lewisham, prompting his departure from Weatherfield.
Now, it has been disclosed that James, formerly portrayed by Nathan Graham, is set to make a comeback to Weatherfield, gracing our screens on Monday, March 17.
Upon his return to visit his family and check on his expectant sister Dee-Dee, he effortlessly reintegrates into the fold with his laid-back, roguish allure. But beyond the cobbles of Weatherfield, what has former footballer James’ life entailed, and what horizons is he seeking now?
FROM ITVSTRICT EMBARGO – No Use Before 2100hrs Sunday 9th March 2025Coronation StreetJames Bailey [JASON CALLENDER] will be the first to land on our screens on Monday 17th March. Hes been living in the US with partner Danny but when he comes back to pay his family a visit and check on sister Dee-Dee he quickly slots back into family life with his easy going, cheeky charm. But away from Weatherfield what has ex footballer James life looked like and what is he searching for next?Picture contact – [email protected] – Danielle BaguleyThis photograph is (C) ITV and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms (Image: ITV)
Stepping into the role of James is actor Jason Callender, famed for his part in Malory Towers, who has expressed his thrill at joining the Bailey clan: “I’m super excited to be sliding into the Bailey family.”
Jason divulged: “James is determined, whatever he puts his mind to he absolutely goes for it. He’s a little brother so expect little brother pranks but more than anything he loves his family and he really wants to be a dad.”
The question on everyone’s lips is what the revamped James will contribute to the street. “James is bringing a lot of warmth, a little bit of love, charisma and a little bit of charm,” Jason disclosed.
Reflecting on landing the role, Jason confessed: “I’m still waiting for it to sink in, I was completely speechless when I got told. You’re stepping into something that’s so iconic, Britain’s longest running TV show.
“Growing up it was always on in the background, my family absolutely love it, my nan is 93 years old and she still religiously watches it, so it’s amazing for me to be part of something that she loves and hopefully I can make her smile.”
Fans are divided on the casting news, with one user writing: “It’s dreadful considering the show has so many characters still in need of proper development, yet they’re piling on more. Lauren still needs progression if she’s staying on, Lisa, Betsy, and Kit have to be given something to make them more than plot devices, Mick and Lou just moved in and aren’t much of anything, Brody’s apparently staying…”
Another posted: “So they’re getting rid of characters the audience loves like Debbie only to bring in characters nobody wants or needs? What’s the point?!”