Emmerdale fans shocked to see legendary character return for huge stunt week

Emmerdale
(Image credit: ITV)

Emmerdale fans were shocked to see a familiar face back on their screens last night...

Emmerdale kicked off their huge stunt week last night with Dingle drama and trouble for the King family, but fans are mostly talking about the fact Rodney Blackstock is back.

Fans already know that it's a big week in Emmerdale, and last night's episode kicked off with a flash forward to Jimmy King's call to the emergency services.

Emmerdale Rodney Blackstock returns to the village

Jimmy found a very jet lagged Rodney in the cafe last night (Picture: ITV)

It was revealed there were multiple casualties following a major incident, and doctors were seen treating the mysterious villagers that had been caught up in the drama.

More: Unforgotten series 5 has been commissioned by ITV

But as the soap went back to the present day, Jimmy and Nicola were seen panicking about the fact their livelihood was going down the pan thanks to Juliette's meddling.

Jimmy then asked Nicola if her dad was still in bed, suggesting Rodney was back from his trip to Australia.

Emmerdale Rodney Blackstock returns to the village

Fans were thrilled to see Rodney back in the village last night (Picture: ITV)

The character hasn't been seen on screen for some time, but he was soon back to his usual cheery self when Jimmy tracked him down in the cafe.

Fresh off the plane from Australia, jet lagged Rodney was pleased to see Jimmy, and fans were thrilled to see the character back on their screens...

Paul cooks up more lies 

There was also drama for the Dingle family last night when Paul fabricated yet another web of lies after Aaron kidnapped Connor.

Paul gets a surprise in Emmerdale

Paul's web of lies got even more tangled after Aaron kidnapped Connor (Picture: ITV)

Shocked to find Connor bound and gagged in his front room, Paul had some quick thinking to do.

He soon lied that Connor had escaped after knocking him down, and the Dingles soaked up his lies as Vinny stood quietly in the background.

But the truth has suddenly dawned on Liv after a run in with Connor outside the village.

Liv figures out the truth in Emmerdale

Liv has finally realised exactly what happened to Vinny the day he was attacked (Picture: ITV)

She confronted him about attacking Vinny, but he revealed that Paul lied about being kidnapped and that perhaps she should be looking a little closer to home to find the culprit who left Vinny in hospital.

How long will it take Liv to confront Paul and Vinny?

And will she land herself in grave danger by getting involved with violent Paul?

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7pm on ITV, with an extra episode at 8pm on Thursdays - see our TV Guide for full listings.

Claire Crick
Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch

Claire is Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch and has been a journalist for over 15 years, writing about everything from soaps and TV to beauty, entertainment, and even the Royal Family. After starting her career at a soap magazine, she ended up staying for 13 years, and over that time she’s pulled pints in the Rovers Return, sung karaoke in the Emmerdale village hall, taken a stroll around Albert Square, and visited Summer Bay Surf Club in sunny Australia. 

After learning some tricks of the trade at websites Digital Spy, Entertainment Daily, and Woman & Home, Claire landed a role at What’s On TV and whattowatch.com writing about all things TV and film, with a particular love for Aussie soaps, Strictly Come Dancing and Bake Off

She’s interviewed everyone from June Brown — AKA Dot Cotton — to Michelle Keegan, swapped cooking tips with baking legend Mary Berry backstage at the NTAs, and danced the night away with soap stars at countless awards bashes. There’s not a lot she doesn’t know about soaps and TV and can be very handy when a soapy question comes up in a pub quiz! 

As well as all things soap-related, Claire also loves running, spa breaks, days out with her kids, and getting lost in a good book.