Deaf actress Ali Briggs is set return to 'Coronation Street' as Emily Bishop's niece, Freda.

Ali's character last starred in the soap in 2005, wining the soap a top disability award for her deaf character. She is set to return in July and will be accompanied by her fiance.

The character originally left 'Coronation Street' after being upset by shopkeeper Norris Cole, who resented the attention she was getting from his friend Emily.

A Coronation Street spokesperson said of the character: "Freda was definitely cast in the mould of many great Corrie women, she was a funny, nosy, smart woman who just happened to be hearing impaired.

"She provided the opportunity to explore different reactions to Freda's disability, particularly through Norris who struggled to deal with her deafness.

"This led to some great comedy scenes at Norris's expense.

Ali's character was awarded Best Portrayal of the Lives and Viewpoints of Disabled People on Television at the Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation (RADAR) People of the Year Awards in 2005.

Earlier this year 'Emmerdale' cast blind actress Kitty McGeever as ex-convict Lizzy Lakely, the first blind person to regularly appear in a UK soap.

Copyright © bangshowbiz.com 2012.