Fans of the ITV soap were left puzzled when Arthur Thomas, Laurel’s son,

seemingly disappeared from the Dales. Nothing was mentioned about his

departure for some time but last month, Laurel mentioned that Arthur –

played by Alfie Clarke – was in Australia, with fans confused how he got there and why he was out there.

Now actor Alfie has taken to social media to confirm he’ll be back soon. Announcing he was filming again, he said: “Good to be back @ emmerdale #emmerdale #backtowork #soapopera #village.”

Arthur hasn’t been seen on the Dales for some time

Meanwhile, producer Sophie Roper recently revealed what was coming up on the ITV soap. Speaking about what fans can expect from the next few months, she said: “The Dingles have been at the heart of our show for 30 years now, and will continue to be so. We lost Steve recently, so we’re going to be marking Zak’s passing in the coming months with a Dingle funeral.

“It will be very difficult for a lot of people who work on the show and obviously a lot of our viewers who have grown and love Zak for many, many years – but it will be a hugely fitting tribute for a great character.”

She added: “Elsewhere in the Dingle world, we’ve got Mandy and Paddy building towards a wedding. It is Mandy and Paddy, so that’s going to be filled with fun. We’ve had Mandy’s dress made in-house by one of our dressmakers,” Sophie said, “It’s going to be very Mandy. It’s going to be very big. It’s going to be very fun. So look out for some fun in amongst all of that with the Dingle clan.”

Teasing drama was ahead when John Sugden arrives, Sophie explained: “Elsewhere, we’ve got some returning and new and exciting faces coming into the show over the next few months. I’m pleased to confirm that we’ll have Oliver Farnworth joining us as a new casting and he’s coming into the show as a new Sugden. The Sugdens, just like the Dingles, are an iconic family in Emmerdale, and we’re keen to cement them back in the show. So Oliver’s a brilliant new addition, incredibly talented, and we’re really looking forward to welcoming him. He’s going to bring lots of drama to the Dales, which I’m going to keep quite tight lipped about for now.”