Emmerdale know how to give us an iconic comeback. The past few years have seen the return of legendary characters such as Kim Tate, Aaron Dingle and most recently, Ross Barton.
This lot belong in the Dales, and it’s got us thinking about which other former villagers we’d love to see again.
Here is our dream wish list of the 11 people we want to see make a comeback ASAP…
Emmerdale characters we want back: Robert Sugden
Robron fans are still hoping for a reunion, and the only way that’s going to happen is by bringing Robert back.
The scheming Sugden was one of Emmerdale’s most interesting and complex characters. But it was Rob’s addictive romance with Aaron Dingle that made his popularity soar.
The couple’s adoring army of supporters followed their journey, and were gutted when it came to an end in 2019. Robert was sentenced to 14 years in prison for the manslaughter of his sister Victoria’s rapist Lee Posner. It has since transpired Lee’s brother, Luke, may have been to blame for his sibling’s fatal injuries. Now this sounds like an obvious get-out-of-jail card for Aaron’s ex.
So far, four actors have played the role of Robert. But we don’t think the fans would be happy unless Ryan Hawley stepped back into the character’s shoes. His on-screen chemistry with Danny Miller was a major part of Robert’s appeal.
If Robert did make a return, then he’s got a rival for Aaron’s affections – in the form of his own half-brother! Viewers have already speculated that John’s arrival in the village is laying the groundwork for an explosive love triangle. We’d love to watch Robert and John fighting it out over Aaron, and we know who we’d have money on to win. What Robert Sugden wants, he normally gets.
Adam Barton
Shoutout to Adam Barton. Wherever you are, mate, then you’re needed back in Emmerdale.
The character’s name has come up in conversation in recent weeks, amidst Moira’s battle with a non-cancerous brain tumour. After missing her life-saving surgery, Moira has decided to go and spend some time with her eldest son.
But will she return to the village with Adam in tow? We certainly hope so.
Adam was last seen on screen in January 2018 when he went on the run after deciding to take the rap for Moira over Emma Barton’s murder. Opting for a life as a fugitive, Adam fled to France and has been laying low ever since. But this is Soapland, so surely the coast is clear for him to make a comeback? Actor Adam Thomas has always expressed an interest in revisiting the role he played for nine years.
Not only would Adam’s return give Moira a boost, and Matty some much needed sibling support, but it might also give his ex-wife, Victoria a purpose. She’s been like a lost soul since her break-up with Jacob, and aside from interfering in John’s life, what actually does Vic do?
Adam and her were great together – we’d like to see them get a second chance at happiness.
Diane Sugden
Diane was such an amazing, comforting presence, no wonder why all the locals loved her.
As landlady of The Woolpack for 17 years, Diane was the beating heart of the village and a friend to all. The Sugden matriarch also dealt with her fair share of drama – from surviving cancer, to being stabbed in the dark, and ripped off by her conman lover.
Actress Elizabeth Estensen, who played Diane for 22 years, announced her retirement in 2021. In a statement at the time she said: “I now feel the time has come to say goodbye. Emmerdale will always remain special to me.”
It seems highly unlikely we’ll ever see Diane back on a permanent basis, but we’d love her to pop back just for a little catch up. If nothing else, then just to check in with her loved ones. Diane’s bestie Chas has just come off the back of the toughest two years of her life so we’re sure she’d appreciate a visit.
Emmerdale characters we want back: Joe Tate
It feels like there’s unfinished business as far as Joe Tate is concerned, which is why we’re in favour of him returning.
The orphaned son of Chris Tate and Rachel Hughes made a huge impact when he came to the village in 2018 under the alias of Tom Waterhouse. With his scheming and womanising ways Joe quickly proved to be a chip off the old block. But just as Chris had done, Joe underestimated Kim Tate – to his peril.
After realising Joe had been fleecing her, Kim ordered Graham Foster to dispose of him. At the same time, Joe was attacked by Cain in revenge for him breaking off his engagement to Debbie.
Joe was presumed dead for five months, until it was revealed he’d escaped with his life and £100k of Kim’s cash. As far as we know he’s still living it up in Monte Carlo, but we think it’s time he came back to settle some old scores.
Debbie Dingle
Debbie was such a major part of the Dingle family that we’d never rule out her return.
Cain and Charity’s feisty daughter relocated to Scotland back in February 2021 with her young son Jack. Debbie had also been living with her grandfather Zak until his recent passing, and was the one who broke the sad news.
Speculation was rife amongst fans that Debbie would accompany Zak’s body back to the village. But when Cain arrived in Scotland to see his daughter she told him she couldn’t face the funeral.
So it seems we’re going to have a wait a while longer to see Debbie again. But we’re sure Cain, Charity and Sarah would all love to have her back. And the return of Debbie’s ex, Ross Barton, throws up even more enticing possibilities.
Emmerdale characters we want back: Sadie King
We would always welcome the comeback of superbitch Sadie.
Jimmy King’s former missus was a ruthless, money-hungry seductress, who was played to perfection by the brilliant Patsy Kensit. After wrecking havoc for two years, Sadie left the village in shame when she was double-crossed by Cain Dingle.
Nearly two decades have passed, but can you imagine the scenes if Cain ever saw Sadie again? And what would Charity do if she came face-to-face with her former foe? Even the thought of that showdown is exciting. Then there’s soppy old Jimmy. He was like putty in Sadie’s hands – we’re sure she could get under his skin again and threaten his marriage to Nicola.
We could also see Sadie teaming up with fellow queen, Kim Tate. Together, these two would be a force to be reckoned with!
Andy Sugden
If Emmerdale really want to put the Sugdens back on the map, then Andy must come home.
The iconic character, played by Kelvin Fletcher from 1996 to 2016, grew up on our screens and was loved by millions. Andy was at the centre of so many brilliant storylines, and could always be relied on to deliver the drama.
After quitting the show, Kelvin went on to win the 2019 series of Strictly Come Dancing. The actor is now enjoying life on a different farm, starring in reality series, Fletchers’ Family Farm, alongside wife Liz Marsland and their four children.
Every year, rumours start swirling about Andy coming back to the village. There’s definitely still a place for him there, with old friends and family ties. Might we see him back in 2025?
Meena Jutla
Serial killer Meena is safely behind bars, serving life for multiple murders. But is it wrong we wish she’d stage a prison break?
Soap villains don’t get much better than this mad lass. During her reign of terror in the Dales, Meena killed Leanna Cavanagh, Andrea Tate and Ben Tucker. And she’d already claimed the lives of her best mate Nadine and her own dad. Yikes!
Meena was different from a lot of baddies in that she was so unhinged and psychotic it was actually entertaining to watch. She stalked her prey with pleasure and made her own playlist of murder karaoke! Actress Paige Sandhu also did an incredible job of playing such a crackers character.
So as ludicrous as the plot would have to be, we’d relish the return of the village’s answer to Villanelle. And there’s one or two locals we wouldn’t mind Meena adding to her body count. No names mentioned…
Emmerdale characters we want back: Nicky Miligan
One of the biggest mistakes Emmerdale made this year was getting rid of Nicky Miligan.
Things were just starting to get interesting for the character what with Ruby’s arrival and watching him referee her and Caleb’s toxic spats. But after discovering his parents had conspired to cover up Ruby running over Ethan Anderson, Nicky disowned them and left for new life overseas with boyfriend, Sonny. To be fair, we can’t blame him on that one.
Nicky hasn’t spoken to his folks since, and Ruby is desperate for a reconciliation. Caleb would also surely welcome his son’s assistance as he continues his bid for Dales domination. And Nicky has already shown he can be useful right hand man – he certainly did a very good job of conning poor Gabby Thomas.
Ruby has gone to visit him now, but he still won’t forgive dad Caleb. And with news of daughter Stephanie’s arrival incoming, it’s surely a great time to reunite the Miligan family and put them on top of Emmerdale.
Bernice Blackstock
Bernice brought her own brand of ridiculous, camp entertainment and the village is definitely less fun without her in it.
The legendary former landlady had been causing chaos since her arrival 1998. But given her brilliance, we think Emmerdale did Bernice dirty by giving her such a rushed – and frankly rubbish – exit. Viewers will remember Bernice was forced to flee to Spain after wracking up a fraudulent debt. She sold her B&B shares to sister Nicola, and with that she was off.
Gabby gave Paddy a recent update on Bernice, saying she’s ‘causing carnage on the Costa’ and ‘falling out of love every five minutes’. She also admitted how much she misses her mum. We do too, Gabs.
Wouldn’t it be great to see Bernice back?
Piper the dog
Our comeback wish list wouldn’t be complete without a certain fur baby. The adorable Piper.
Belle was left heartbroken earlier this year after Tom led her to believe her beloved pet had been run over and killed. The evil vet watched his wife grieve for Piper as he orchestrated a fake funeral. But then it was revealed Piper was alive and well and had been secretly re-homed with another couple.
Tom’s wicked web of deceit is finally starting to unravel, and we’re hoping the writers are going to find a way to bring Piper back into Belle’s life. After all the hell she’s been through, she deserves a happy ending with her four-legged friend.
Read more: 13 creepy things Tom King has done
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
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