AN Emmerdale star has hinted at a shock comeback one year after quitting – as he secretly reunited with past co-stars.

Throughout its history, the ITV soap has seen numerous characters come and go.

Played by Lewis Cope, Nicky Miligan appeared from late 2022 until leaving last year.

Nine months on from his on-screen exit, the actor may have hinted at a possible soap return.

A video posted by Lewis and partner Rachel Lopez on Instagram shows highlights from his recent 30th birthday celebrations.

The clip features former co-stars William Ash (Caleb) and Jeff Hordley (Cain).

The post’s caption reads: “Our sweet Lew is 30 FLIRTY AND THRIVING.

“Still not down from the high. Honestly, nothing is more beautiful than these people who we love and care about so b*****y much.

“Our hearts have not stopped singing since, we are so grateful.”

Last June, The Sun told how Lewis and co-star Brahmdeo Shannon Ramana – aka Nicky’s love interest Suni – had quit their soap roles.

A source said at the time: “The feeling is that the characters weren’t given a fair shot.

“They were barely used despite having lots of initial promise.

“Soaps can be great work for actors starting out – but only if they are given storylines to work with and sometimes things just don’t work out.

“They’re hungry to hone their craft to show what they can do and don’t want to be used as glorified set dressing.”

Nicky arrived in December 2022 as part of a major revenge plot against Kim Tate (Claire King).

An explosive twist revealed Nicky as the son of fellow newcomer, businessman Caleb Miligan.

While the character’s mother Ruby (Beth Cordingly) was introduced a few months before his departure.

In his exit storyline, Nicky began seriously considering leaving the Dales after being left appalled by Ruby’s vengeful streak.

He was hospitalised after a car accident took place when Ethan Anderson (Emile John) crashed into a vehicle he was in.

Ruby was enraged to hear he had been left comatose, and decided to get back at Ethan by running him over.

A horrified Nicky first believed Ruby was to blame for Ethan’s sudden death.

While it transpired Ethan died of other causes, Nicky was shaken enough to ask his boyfriend Suni if they could move away together.