Emmerdale’s special Robert Sugden flashback episode was full of twists and turns — none more so than the surprise appearance of beloved character Faith Dingle. It’s been over three years since Faith’s tragic death from cancer, but it was revealed that she played a very important role in Robert’s past.

In the episode, Robert told Aaron about his time in prison and how his relationship with his cellmate Kev developed over time.

Kev convinced Robert not to pursue an appeal of his conviction – though Robert still doesn’t realise that his prison husband has deceived him in more ways than one. But an unexpected visit from none other than Faith changed everything for Robert.

By this point, Faith knew she didn’t have long left to live, and she felt it urgent to tell Robert that Aaron was really struggling and had fled the country to escape his trauma.

Certain that Robert was the only person who could save her grandson, Faith urged him to move forward with his appeal. Robert agreed, admitting that he still loved Aaron more than anything.

Speaking about her emotional cameo, actor Sally Dexter said in a behind-the-scenes video: “First of all, I thought, ‘How are they gonna get me back? Cos I’m dead! I had no idea what was coming.

“It’s been really enjoyable. It’s lovely coming back. It’s a bit like coming back to a school that you went to or an old house that you used to live in. It feels very, very homely. They’re just such a lovely bunch of people here, crew and cast included.”

Sally explained that stepping into Faith’s shoes again had an added poignancy following the recent death of her mum.

“I’ve always said my mum was very much the person that I based her on,” she said, “and unfortunately, she died last year”.

The actor continued: “So actually, coming back and [playing] her again is lovely, such a joyous thing to do, and I’m very grateful. If you haven’t seen tonight’s episode, please go and watch it. It’s very special, and to play Faith again is very, very special to me.”

But could we ever see Sally in Emmerdale village again? Well, she has an idea about how the soap could bring her back.

She teased: “I have been practising my Australian accent in case they decide that a cousin suddenly appears called Hope and I’d put in for a blonde wig if they did!”