ITV’s Emmerdale reveals epic return for hugely popular character – and they’re not alone

Fans of the ITV soap Emmerdale are in for a treat later this year, as the show’s boss Laura Shaw has spilled all about the big twists ahead into summer and beyond

Emmerdale boss confirms return for Dylan Penders(Image: ITV)
Emmerdale fans will be over the moon as the soap confirms a huge return for one fan favourite. It’s already been a huge year for the soap with the devastating limo crash, Nate’s disappearance, and April Windsor’s hard hitting storyline, and things aren’t slowing down anytime soon.

The ITV soap’s producer spilled to The Mirror and other press that some big storylines were ahead, as existing twists continue, too. One things fans can get look forward to is a huge return as part of April Windsor’s storyline – but it looks like he’s here to cause trouble.

Laura confirmed a return for Dylan Penders, who’s returning to the village to cause drama for April Windsor. After proving to be a hit with fans earlier this year, Fred Kettle will be back to reprise his role as the teen later this year.

Dylan ‘will be bringing his past back to the village with him’
However, he’s not going to be alone as Laura shared that some new cast members will join as part of the teen’s plot.

“The lovely Fred Kettle who played Dylan is coming back to the show. He is gonna be bringing his past back to the village with him and that’s going to cause huge problems for April and the family there,” Laura told the Mirror and other press.

She continued: “We’ve got a couple of exciting new castings who are gonna be joining us for that story, but I can’t tell you who they are yet but watch this space. It’s very exciting.”

Dylan told April he didn’t want any contact with her
Dylan met April while she was living on the streets after running away from home. He was last seen in the Dales in March 2025, after being framed by April’s father Marlon for a robbery and later overdosing. Marlon felt guilty and offered to pay for the teenager to go to rehab, much to the shock of everyone around him.

The teen agreed to keep quiet about Marlon’s involvement, but before exiting, he delivered a heartbreaking message to April.

He told her he was going to rehab to fight his addiction, but with that, he told April he wanted to cut contact with her – leaving the teen devastated.

How will the storyline play out once Dylan returns?

As well as new faces being introduced along with Dylan – former Celebrity Big Brother star Bradley Riches is set to join on screen this month.

His arrival was confirmed earlier this year, and soap boss Laura has teased what his storyline could be.

“Bradley Riches has joined the show. I’m very excited about that. This character was definitely created just for Bradley. I’m dead excited to see what chaos Lewis gonna bring to Ross’ life,” she said.