Emmerdale actor Alfie Clarke has confirmed he is back filming new scenes as village favourite Arthur Thomas.

The youngster has been missing for quite some time, and during some crucial storylines for his family.

Fans thought it was odd, given his mum Laurel Thomas’ (Charlotte Bellamy) recent heart attack after an argument with husband Jai Sharma (Chris Bisson), that the character had seemingly vanished into thin air.

His last credited appearance in March, shortly after the death of Heath Hope.

Luckily, Emmerdale did provide somewhat of an explanation in an off-the-cuff comment made about him visiting Australia, likely to see grandfather Doug Potts (Duncan Preston) who moved there in 2020.

Laurel, Arthur and Jai in novelty t-shirts in Emmerdale

He’s been staying in Australia (Picture: ITV)
Laurel collapses in Emmerdale

Meanwhile, Laurel had a heart attack (Picture: ITV)
Laurel was heard saying: ‘Arthur’s in Australia and there’s more than enough room in the inn. Gabby, you and Thomas are family – you’re always welcome. And, to be honest, I could do with another woman in the house.’

Although his exit was off-screen, Laurel and stepdaughter Gabby Thomas (Rosie Bentham) discussed the option for Gabby and her son Thomas to move back in with Laurel.

It seems he won’t be away for long though, with actor Alfie posting a picture of the eponymous village on his Instagram yesterday.

He captioned the image: ‘Good to be back @emmerdale #emmerdale #backtowork #soapopera #village’

Jai and Laurel have a tense chat in the church in Emmerdale

Her marriage to Jai is over (Picture: ITV)
Laurel and Jai talk across the counter in Emmerdale

If we were Arthur, we’d stay away a bit longer! (Picture: ITV)
The announcement was met with delight from fans, some of whom hoped he’d be bringing ex-boyfriend Marshall Hamston (Max Fletcher) with him.

‘[You’re] my favourite actor on Emmerdale’ said one viewer.

Another added: ‘Missed ya but again @emmerdale bring back [Arthur] & Marshall’

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Viewers will remember that Marshall ended up staying with the Thomas-Sharma clan after his dad’s unfavourable reaction to him coming out as gay. When his aunt reached out, he moved away to live with her in Formby and our hearts were breaking for Arthur.

Laurel could probably do without any other concerns, as her marriage to Jai is now well and truly over!

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