Emmerdale Star Sally Dexter on Her “Very Special” Return as Faith Dingle
Emmerdale fans were stunned when Faith Dingle appeared once more in a touching flashback during Thursday night’s (12th November) episode — three years after the character’s emotional death from terminal breast cancer. Actress Sally Dexter has now opened up about her surprise return, calling it a “very special” moment both professionally and personally.
Faith’s Return from Beyond the Grave
The episode centered on Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley) and his unseen time in prison, with Faith reappearing in flashback scenes to guide him through one of his darkest chapters.
“They’ve thrown me in prison with Robert,” Dexter laughed. “It’s a flashback episode and it’s delightful to be back doing it. Well first of all I thought, ‘How are they going to get me back? I’m dead!’ I had no idea what was coming.”
In the episode, Faith visited Robert behind bars, urging him to follow his heart and fight for his freedom so that he could reunite with Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller). Her words became a turning point for Robert, who later launched an appeal against his murder conviction — and was finally released earlier this year.
A Story of Love, Lies, and Legacy
The episode didn’t shy away from the emotional complexity of Robert’s journey. Having secured an early release, Robert was seen fabricating a story for his prison partner, Kev Townsend (Chris Coghill), claiming that his sister Vic (Isabel Hodgins) was suffering from a brain tumour.
That lie was swiftly exposed in the final moments when Dr Liam Cavanagh (Jonny McPherson) unwittingly revealed the truth — leaving Kev heartbroken and setting up future drama.
But for fans, Faith’s surprise reappearance was the true highlight of the episode — a moment of warmth, wisdom, and nostalgia that echoed her trademark compassion.
Sally Dexter: “It Feels Like Coming Home”
Speaking about her unexpected return, Dexter described her time back on set as deeply emotional:
“It’s lovely coming back. It’s a bit like going back to a school that you went to or an old house that you used to live in. It feels very, very homely. They’re just such a lovely bunch of people here, all of them, crew and cast included.”
She even joked about wanting to stay in the Emmerdale universe a little longer:
“I have been practising my Australian accent, in case they decide that a cousin suddenly appears called Hope. And I’d put in for a blonde wig if they did.”
Remembering Faith’s Powerful Exit
Dexter’s portrayal of Faith Dingle’s final storyline in 2023 earned widespread praise for its tenderness and realism. Reflecting on those final scenes, she paid tribute to her co-star Jeff Hordley, who plays Faith’s son Cain:
“People really seemed to plug into it. And I don’t blame them. It was beautifully written, and Jeff was particularly spectacular… as he always is. Damn him! No, he’s wonderful.”
A Personal Tribute Behind the Role
The actress also revealed that her portrayal of Faith was inspired by someone close to her heart — her late mother.
“I’ve always said my mum was very much the person that I based her on, and unfortunately she died last year. So actually, coming back and doing her again is lovely. Such a joyous thing to do, and I’m very grateful.”
Sally ended her reflection with a heartfelt message to fans:
“If you haven’t seen tonight’s episode, please go and watch it. It’s very special — and to play Faith again is very, very special to me.”
A Legacy That Lives On
Faith Dingle may be gone, but her presence continues to shape the lives of those she left behind. Through this moving cameo, Emmerdale reminded viewers why Faith remains one of the show’s most beloved characters — and why Sally Dexter’s return was nothing short of unforgettable.