Thomas, who plays Jason Grimshaw, is said to have bought a talking bird to make the occasion. The actor, who has played builder Jason for over 12 years, has apparently named his pet 'Norris' after the nosey Corrie character.
Halsall, who plays mechanic Tyrone Dobbs, revealed his good news on Twitter yesterday (June 9). He joked that while he may be delighted to be returning to the Street next year, Natalie Gumede, who plays his pregnant on-screen girlfriend Kirsty Soames, might not be so pleased.
"Exclusive! Ha not much of 1. I'm delighted to say I signed my new contract 2day @ corrie!" he wrote. "Good news if ya a fan but not for @NatalieGumede x"
The pair have been involved in a domestic abuse storyline, in which Tyrone has fallen victim to Kirsty's temper.
"Tyrone is one of the Street's most-loved characters so there was no way Phil was going to let [Halsall] go anywhere," an ITV source told the paper.
"He has big plans for him and Natalie."
The source also revealed that Thomas had been given a new nickname after news of his new pet spread on set.
"Ryan is over the moon to be staying," they said.
"He celebrated by buying a cockatiel... it's all he's been talking about. Some of the cast have even nicknamed him Captain Hook."
The insider added: "Jason's a really popular character, particularly with female viewers, so fans will be pleased to hear he is staying on."
