The loveable red-head (played by Mikey North) apparently died off screen following an explosion in the Ukraine, where he was based as a secret assassin. 

Poor lover Sarah Platt (Tina O'Brian) didn't believe the horrific news at first, but her brother David (Jack P Shephard) helped her come to the tragic realisation.

However, viewers of the ITV soap appeared to have their doubts about Gary's demise and came up with their own version of events. 

Fans rushed to Twitter, convinced that the hero faked his own death in order to make a shock comeback and kill evil Pat (Connor McIntyre). 

One wrote: "I don’t believe Gary is dead yet. I think he goes after Phelan and Phelan kills him."

Another added: I'm still convinced that Gary is alive. Maybe he's been kidnapped if he is not planning to come back and kill Phelan. But if you find somebody's St Christopher then surely the body isn't going to be that far away? Even in a massive explosion body parts will be found."

A third insisted: "Is our Gary gonna be the one to bring Phelan down? He's not dead is he #corrie?"

A fourth suggested: "Why do I feel like Gary is faking his death as a chess move to end Phelan once and for all? Like there is something up with the way this is happening off screen and I bet it's a plot to take the b***h down."

What's more, some thought that poor Andy Carver (Oliver Farnworth) who was allegedly shot by Phelan is still alive. 

Gary has reason to end his nemesis, after tormenting his mother Anna Windass (Debbie Rush) for months.

With the hapless mother in jail, will Gary do right by his mum and end evil Pat once and for all?

Coronation Street continues Friday at 7.30pm and 8.30pm on ITV.