Jonathan Howard has been seen sending a message to fans after he was revealed to have survived being killed off the ITV soap

Coronation Street star Jonathan Howard has been seen sending a message to fans after he was revealed to have survived being killed off the long-running show, as he joked about avoiding ‘trouble’.

As fans of the ITV soap know, the actor’s character, Carl Webster, was among the possible victims of a murder that has rocked the cobbles in recent weeks. Following his first-ever appearance in Weatherfield last year, the character hasn’t made his life, or the lives of his loved ones, very easy.

But the biggest twist following his arrival on the cobbles came recently as it was revealed that Carl is actually Debbie’s son, with the truth coming out as she took the blame for him following a horror multi-vehicle crash in January that caused the death of Weatherfield vicar, Billy Mayhew.

And Carl didn’t take the news well and took pleasure in seeing Debbie, who was diagnosed with dementia last year, taking the wrap for the crash, after he coldly pulled her from the passenger side into the driver’s seat at the time of the incident to make it seem like she was behind the wheel, before she was sentenced to time behind bars.

Eventually, with her health suffering, Debbie was freed following a successful appeal, and while she was led to believe that Carl wanted to make amends and work on a relationship, he soon showed his true colours as Debbie’s husband, Ronnie, revealed he was only out for her money.

Carl’s cruel behaviour eventually led to Debbie sending her son on his way for the last time, having given him some cash to leave Weatherfield once and for all. Last week, Carl was seen preparing to leave Weatherfield. But instead of tying up loose ends like most, he decided to rile up the likes of Kevin, Abi, Tyrone and Fiz Dobbs, and Theo Silverton, who was later revealed as the murder victim.

Kevin ended up feeling quite smug as he took an opportunity to secretly take Carl’s envelope of cash from Debbie to give back to his sister. However, Carl discovered what had happened and, out for revenge, headed to the garage where he started secretly tampering with the brakes of Kevin’s car, which was in for service.

But in a dramatic twist, as viewers saw the footsteps of someone else, Carl had no idea before the trolley jack gave way, leaving him crushed by the weight of the car. But in another twist, Ronnie appeared to have rescued him, and as he drove away from the cobbles, Carl mustered: “I need a hospital!”

It wasn’t until last Friday’s (May 1) visit to the cobbles that Carl was seen in the hospital, where he was fighting for his life. It was then this week that Carl was revealed to have survived, with Debbie supporting him at his bedside.

Taking to Instagram after Carl’s survival was confirmed, Jonathan posted a selfie in which he could be seen sporting fake blood and as he beamed with his thumb up for the camera, he said: “So I’m finally allowed to post again without getting into trouble… [crying laughing emojI].

“Carl is down and out for the count but he’s still in the game and still smiling! Thanks everyone for watching. RIP #theo aka #jamescartwright it’s been a great ride with you mate #corrie #coronationstreet.” And fans were quick to respond.