BOLTON actress Beverley Callard has made a dramatic return to Coronation Street -- less than two years after leaving.

Beverley, who plays short-skirted Liz McDonald, was back in Wetherfield yesterday to film her first episode since her character ran off with husband Jim's physiotherapist in November 1998.

It marks a return to the country for Beverley, 42, who swapped her home in Smithills for a luxury villa in the Costa Del Sol last year.

Earlier this year, the BEN revealed that her Bolton home had been put on the market.

Liz returns for an emotional reunion with screen husband Jim in a highly-charged episode to be screened early next month.

She said it was "fantastic" to be back in a role she played for nine years.

"I left to do different things but when I was told what my storyline would be, I couldn't wait to get back," she said.

It is not known whether Beverley will be returning to Bolton, but she has said all along that her exile in Spain was only temporary.