Emmerdale airs return appearance for absent character after months off-screen in ITVX release
Warning: contains spoilers for Emmerdale's episode airing Tuesday 26th August 2025 on ITVX and ITV1.

*Warning: Contains spoilers for today's (Tuesday 26th August) episode of Emmerdale, now available on ITVX*
Emmerdale has aired a surprise comeback for Arthur Thomas.
The character (played by Alfie Clarke) has been absent from our screens for most of the year, last seen in an episode at the end of March and featuring in just three episodes in January before that.
In today's instalment, Arthur appeared in the Woolpack to celebrate his 18th birthday alongside family and friends, with the likes of mum Laurel, sister Gabby and close friend April Windsor appearing to mark the occasion.
Although Arthur has been away from our screens for most of 2025, fans will remember that he was mentioned by Laurel back in April.
After Arthur’s tracksuit bottoms were stolen from her washing line, Laurel was so startled that she later mentioned the event to April.
"Would you mind giving [Arthur] a call because I know he’s giving you a bit of space, but he does miss you love," Laurel said.

Next week in Emmerdale, April finds herself in a dangerous situation when she volunteers to deliver illegal drugs on behalf of her boyfriend, Dylan Penders.
Things soon take a dark turn when she arrives at the carpark for the drug drop, as a hooded man appears, pulls out a knife and demands she gives him the bag.
Later, Dylan and April meet Ray in the woods and confess to losing the drugs, but how will he react?
Read more:
- Emmerdale airs unsettling scenes surrounding Mackenzie Boyd's fate in early ITVX release
- Former Emmerdale star joins Strictly Come Dancing 2025 after contestant forced to withdraw
- Coronation Street and Emmerdale to be hit by schedule shake-up from ITV this month
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1. Stream on ITVX.
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Authors
Molly Moss is a Trends Writer for Radio Times, covering the latest trends across TV, film and more. She has an MA in Newspaper Journalism and has previously written for publications including The Guardian, The Times and The Sun Online.
