Emmerdale fans were left shocked when Arthur Thomas made a return to the ITV

soap tonight after months away and threatened Jai over his treatment of Laurel Emmerdale

fans were left stunned as one character returned tonight with a brand new look. Arthur

Thomas headed back to the Dales tonight and immediately confronted Jai over how he had treated Laurel. However, fans were left shocked by Arthur’s change in appearance – with some describing him as unrecognisable. The actor departed the role briefly so he could take his exams, whilst he was written out of the soap when Arthur went travelling following the end of his relationship with school friend Marshall. Emmerdale star confirms Tom King’s next evil act is ‘another level’ Emmerdale regular left fighting for his life leaving wife devastated One fan wrote: “Has actor playing Arthur changed? #emmerdale,” whilst a second added: “Arthur is ten years older than when he left. #emmerdale.” A third penned: ” #emmerdale Arthur’s back, how he’s grown up.”

Arthur looked very different ( Image: (Image: ITV)) “Didn’t even notice Arthur was missing Where’s he been? #Emmerdale,” a fourth shared, with a fifth adding: “Why does arthur look different #emmerdale.” A sixth wrote on Twitter : “Arthur has grown! awww #Emmerdale.” Arthur’s whereabouts was explained when Gabby and Thomas moved into Laurel’s house after leaving Home Farm. At the time, Laurel explained where he was, sharing: “Arthur’s in Australia and there’s more than enough room in the inn. Gabby, you and Thomas are family – you’re always welcome. And, to be honest, I could do with another woman in the house.”

Laurel has been struggling with some health battles recently, and collapsed in shocking scenes. Charlotte Bellamy, who plays Laurel, shared: “Her heart attack made her recalibrate her life and see things for what they are,” she shared. “That coincided with finding out what Jai did with Amit and taking the shares in the business and all of that, she’s seen her husband for what he is. Laurel has a second chance at life, does she really want to be with a man like that?” Asked if her character would stay single, she added: “I think that would be interesting to explore. She represents a lot of women in their early 50s who are on their own and raising kids. I’m sure she’ll have some dalliances, and maybe even try online dating, but as for another long-term relationship I’m not sure. Going on the journey with her now she’s single might be nice to see.”