Emmerdale was abuzz this week with the news that Faith Dingle – one of the show’s most iconic characters – would be making a surprise return.

But it wasn’t the usual Dingle-esque “come back one day to cause chaos” kind of comeback, but it was a heavy, emotional and somewhat spiritual one.

According to spoilers from the set, Faith returns in a very special scene – like a gentle breeze blowing through memories, both familiar and unsettling.

Many villagers feel that Faith’s appearance is to fill the painful gaps that the Dingle family is suffering, especially after a recent incident that the film crew hinted “involved a great loss”.

The opening scene for Faith’s return is expected to make the audience choke up: Faith stands in front of the Dingle house, looking at each familiar face. Cain – the most stubborn son – looks at his mother with eyes of respect mixed with fear. Moira stands next to them, trying to stay calm but her hands are shaking. Viewers will clearly feel the silence between them, as if the whole family knows that Faith’s journey this time could be the last time they see her.

A detail that makes fans happy: Faith hugs each person tightly, no more arguing, no more strong words, only gentle gratitude. “I just want to see everyone again,” she whispers in the leaked footage from the set. The keyword “one more time” appeared many times, making the community start to guess: Is Faith returning just to say goodbye?

But Emmerdale is never that simple. While Faith is present, there is a secret revealed related to a heartbreaking loss – maybe a member of the Dingle family or someone Faith once owed an apology. Spoiler hints that the reason Faith appears is because “a spirit needs her back”.