Ella Forster (Paula Lane) returned to the Emmerdale village in Thursday’s (July 18) episode and brought a massive secret back with her – she’s pregnant.

Ella hasn’t been seen for weeks. After the secret from her past was exposed, Ella was told by Liam (Jonny McPherson) that she should get in her car, drive away and never return.

When Liam learnt that Ella killed her best friend when she was a child, he was horrified. The two characters had been getting on well as a couple, and Liam even felt comfortable enough to open up to Ella about Leanna, his daughter who was murdered by Meena Jutla.

In tonight’s instalment, Liam and Mandy (Lisa Riley) were seen outside talking about Paddy (Dominic Brunt), but remained unaware they were being watched by someone.

A little while later, after Mandy realised she had picked up the wrong set of keys, she raced back home, only to discover someone had broken in.

Thankfully, Mandy hadn’t come face to face with a thief, it was Ella.

After the initial shock, Mandy grew curious and wanted to know what Ella was doing back, and where she had been all this time. She revealed she had returned for a photograph of her and her brother, who sadly wasn’t around anymore.

Ella then explained to Mandy – who was her best friend before her secret was revealed – that she had been living out of her car, wondering what to do next with her life.

A tense conversation awaits (Picture: ITV)

Mandy took the approach of saying one final goodbye to Ella and watched her leave, but she certainly felt bad.

That afternoon, as Mandy arrived in the pub to update Manpreet (Rebecca Sarker) and eventually Liam, she and Chas (Lucy Pargeter) received a message on the Dingle group chat, which was from Sam (James Hooton).

He revealed he had just called 999 after coming across a car crash. In one vehicle was Dawn (Olivia Bromley) and in the other, Ella.

Because Liam was reluctant to see Ella at the hospital, Mandy took it upon herself to visit instead.

When she arrived, Mandy listened as Ella revealed she has concussion as a result of the crash…and is also pregnant.

Overwhelmed, Ella felt grateful when Mandy comforted her. She reassured Ella and said she would be by her side as she navigates what will be an overwhelming journey.

But when Ella inevitably returns to the village, what will Liam say when he finds out she’s pregnant with his baby?