There was a time in Coronation Street when the name Tommy Orpington (Matt Milburn)

would bring a huge smile to Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson)’s face.

Weatherfield County’s star striker was a complete idol of Steve’s, a man who could do no wrong.

Then he did do wrong, by having an affair with Tracy Barlow (Kate Ford), which ultimately led to Tracy realising she didn’t love Steve any more. When Tommy was offered a job in Spain, Tracy didn’t hesitate in making the decision to join him.

And now Tommy Orpington’s name is mud as far as Steve is concerned. And even though he’s living in another country, Tommy’s presence is still being felt in Weatherfield.

In upcoming episodes Steve’s 50th birthday is fast approaching and best friend Tim Metcalfe (Joe Duttine) is keen on them having a night out to celebrate.

Unfortunately that very same night there’s another event taking place – the unveiling of a new bronze bust of Tommy Orpington at the County ground.

Sally Metcalfe (Sally Dynevor) and Tim have received an invitation, and you know what Sally is like about swanky events. There’s no way she’s going to miss this one.

Tim’s gutted to realise it clashes with Steve’s birthday and he tells his friend that he can’t go out with him after all. Obviously he doesn’t tell him why, because he knows that being dumped in favour of a celebration of the achievements of the great Tommy O. would really upset Steve.

Steve, however, gets it in his head that Tim has organised a surprise party and he’s only pretending that he can’t go out.

After he overhears Sally telling Tim she’s buying a new outfit for the occasion he’s doubly convinced it’s for his party.

When Cassie Plummer (Claire Sweeney), Kevin Webster (Michael le Vell) and Tyrone Dobbs (Alan Halsall) all deny knowledge of such an event it only confirms Steve’s suspicions – they must all be in on the secret.

Poor Steve, he’s in for a massive disappointment and he’ll be raging when he finds himself all alone on his big birthday, all thanks to Tommy Orpington.

Even worse for Steve, Amy tells him that Tracy has cancelled her planned visit to Weatherfield and is staying in Spain. Steve’s slim hope of winning her back is now completely dashed.

But there could be a distraction on the horizon.

After being hurt in a fall, Ken Barlow now needs the help of carers and Cassie has offered her services. In upcoming episodes Ken agrees to Cassie working for him after Steve makes out that she’s a qualified carer and has been hired through an agency.

Ken is furious when he discovers that’s a lie, but Cassie tries to persuade him that she can still do a good job.

Meanwhile Amy Barlow (Elle Mulvaney) is amused when she spots an attraction between Steve and Cassie.

He denies it, but with his previous attempts to find love after being dumped by Tracy have led nowhere, maybe this could be a romance waiting to happen?