Arthur Returns After Months Away

Emmerdale fans were relieved this week when Arthur Thomas finally reappeared after being absent for five months. His absence was especially puzzling given that his best friend April Windsor had been central to several recent storylines.

Arthur’s return solved one mystery, but it raised another: where are the other missing faces? With a cast of over 50, it’s common for characters to rotate in and out. Actor holidays, storyline focus, and filming schedules all play a role. Still, some absences feel glaring. Here are nine characters fans are waiting to see again.

1. Kim Tate

Kim’s latest power play had her buying up farmland, seemingly ready to dominate the village. But after only a few days of scheming, she vanished, leaving Joe Tate to handle her unfinished business. His updates via off-screen phone calls aren’t enough. Fans want Kim back in the Dales, running the show herself.

2. Noah Dingle

Noah has appeared in just four episodes since June, keeping a surprisingly low profile given the chaos in his family. With Charity’s surrogacy drama, Mack’s disappearance, and Joe’s scheming, Noah’s silence feels unusual. Normally, he’d have strong opinions. Has Noah matured, or is his voice being missed?

3. Cain Dingle

Cain’s exit was explained when Debbie called from Australia, asking him to visit. He dropped everything and flew out, but his absence leaves a gap. Fans are eager for him to return, especially with John Sugden’s secret about Nate’s death still waiting to explode.

4. Cathy Hope

Actress Gabrielle Dowling took a break earlier this year to focus on A-Levels. On screen, Cathy set sail with Brenda on a cruise. That trip was meant to last three months, but months have passed without an update. Has the ship lost its way, or will Cathy dock back in the village soon?

5. Angelica King

Last year, Angelica’s role in Heath Hope’s tragic death made headlines. After serving time in a secure home, she returned to the village. Many expected her struggles to remain a focus, but instead, she’s been missing. Fans see this as a wasted opportunity to explore the fallout from such a huge story.

6. Elliot Windsor

Jimmy’s son Elliot has barely appeared in 2025. Now in his late teens, he’s at the perfect age for new drama. Nicola Wheeler recently hinted that trouble is coming for the King family, sparked by one of their children. That tease suggests Elliot may step into the spotlight soon.

7. Charles Anderson

Charles has made over 20 appearances this year, but most have been background support. Even when Moira’s slurry leak made him sick, the drama happened off-screen. The vicar deserves a storyline of his own, not just cameos at church services or village meetings.

8. Bear Wolf

In May, producers teased a major plot for Bear Wolf. Months later, nothing has materialised. His exit—leaving after a fight with Paddy—felt incomplete. Show bosses have promised bigger scenes on his return, but fans are still waiting.

9. Billy Fletcher

Billy started the year strong, but he’s been absent all summer. Viewers are asking questions. Is he keeping out of Joe’s way, or did Kim whisk him off on one of her mysterious trips? Either way, Billy’s absence hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Who Will Be Back First?

With so many missing faces, speculation is rife. Kim and Cain are most likely to return soon, given their ties to ongoing plots. Others, like Angelica and Elliot, could bring fresh drama if reintroduced.

Emmerdale has always thrived on its rotating cast, but fans are ready for these missing favorites to step back into the spotlight.