A Return No One Saw Coming

Emmerdale fans were left stunned during this week’s special flashback episode centered on Robert Sugden. The hour revisited Robert’s time in prison and explored how his relationship with cellmate Kev influenced his future. But in the middle of the revelations came a moment that viewers never expected: Faith Dingle returned, appearing for the first time since her heartbreaking death more than three years ago.

Faith’s cancer storyline remains one of Emmerdale’s most emotional chapters. Her reappearance did more than shock audiences—it reshaped Robert’s story in a profound way.

Faith’s Mission: Save Aaron

During the episode, Robert opened up to Aaron about how deeply Kev shaped his life behind bars. Kev discouraged Robert from appealing his conviction, a decision Robert still believes was best. What he doesn’t yet know is that Kev deceived him on far more devastating levels.

And then, Faith appeared.

Aware that her time was running out, Faith visited Robert and shared a truth he desperately needed. Aaron had fled the country, unable to cope with trauma and heartbreak. Faith told Robert that he was the only person who could reach Aaron and help him survive the pain consuming him. She urged Robert to appeal and fight for his freedom.

Robert confessed that he still loved Aaron more than anything. Faith’s words renewed his determination, changing the course of his story.

A Joyous and Emotional Return for Sally Dexter

Speaking about the cameo, actor Sally Dexter admitted she was surprised when she received the invitation to return.

“First of all, I thought, how are they going to get me back? Because I’m dead!” she joked in a behind-the-scenes video.

Returning to Emmerdale felt like coming home. “It’s lovely coming back. It feels very homely, like a school you went to or an old house that you used to live in,” she said. Dexter praised both cast and crew, describing them as “such a lovely bunch of people.”

The moment held deeper meaning due to her own loss. Dexter shared that Faith was inspired in part by her mother, who passed away last year. “Playing her again is lovely, such a joyous thing to do,” she reflected, encouraging fans to watch the episode because it was “very special” to her.

Could Faith—or Someone Like Her—Return Again?

Faith’s return was a vision rooted in love, not a resurrection. Still, Dexter teased a possible future cameo, saying she has been “practicing an Australian accent” just in case Emmerdale ever wants to introduce Faith’s cousin, Hope. She even joked about requesting a blonde wig.

For now, this beautiful tribute allows Faith Dingle’s spirit to remain alive in the stories of those she loved, especially Robert and Aaron.