The 29-year-old actress – whose character hit the headlines when she fell pregnant aged just 13, played Sarah-Louise for eight years before quitting Weatherfield in 2007 – is to reprise her role in the ITV1 soap in the new year along with her onscreen daughter Bethany, who is now 13.
A Coronation Street source said: 'Sarah-Louise’s pregnancy was an absolutely massive story and was a ratings winner for Corrie. It’s amazing to think it was 13 years ago now.
Explosive: Tina O'Brien is expected to return to Corrie in the new year (pictured here earlier this month in London)
She's back: Tina O'Brien, who grew up playing Sarah-Lou in Corrie, is set to return to our screens in 2013
Sarah-Louise will be kept busy by Bethany – who is expected to be portrayed by a new actress - and she is set to clash with her brother David's (Jack P. Shepherd) wife Kylie Platt (Paula Lane).
The source added to the Sunday Mirror newspaper: 'What makes the move even more intriguing is the fact Bethany will be the same age at Sarah-Louise when she fell pregnant. She will prove to be a real handful, just like her mum was. It really is like history repeating itself.
Young mum: Sarah-Lou became pregnant at the young age of 13
Remember this? When Sarah-Lou announced she was pregnant the controversial storyline made national headlines
Troubled past: Bethany will now be 13 when she returns,the same age as Sarah-Lou when she became pregnant
The decision to bring Sarah-Louise back is said to have been made by new Coronation Street producer Stuart Blackburn, who is taking over the role from Phil Collinson.
Tina, has twice been voted into the annual FHM Top 100 Sexiest Women in the World, was in a relationship with Ryan Thomas, who played on-screen husband Jason Grimshaw from 2003 to 2009.
Back to school: Tina as Bex Fisher in 2010 starring in Waterloo Road
After Coronation Street Tina starred in the Waterloo Road as Bex Fisher in 2010 then she went on to star in the 2010 series of Strictly Come Dancing, before being eliminated in the fifth week.