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An Emmerdale favourite returned to the soap after weeks off screen on Tuesday (December 9).

Troubled times have gripped the Dales as Ray Walters (Joe Absolom) and Celia Daniels (Jaye Griffiths) persist in tormenting various residents.

Most notably, they've compelled April Windsor (Amelia Flanagan) into drug dealing, whilst keeping Bear Wolf (Joshua Richards) imprisoned on their farm.

The sinister circumstances reached breaking point last week when April finally confided in Marlon Dingle (Mark Charnock) and Rhona Goskirk (Zoe Henry) regarding her ordeal.

After Marlon and Rhona threatened police involvement, Ray retaliated by deliberately striking Dylan Penders (Fred Kettle) with his vehicle. The youngster has remained unconscious in intensive care ever since, reports the Daily Star.

Throughout Tuesday's (December 9) instalment, a frantic Rhona urged her distraught spouse to recruit Cain (Jeff Hordley), believing he could eliminate Ray and Celia permanently.

"[Cain] would make mincemeat of Ray. You know he would. It wouldn't just be Cain - he could get some of the family from Ireland to back him up. And Ross?" Rhona declared.

Later, Cain grew wary upon learning that Marlon sought to sell his car for some quick cash. He became further concerned after witnessing Ray intimidating Marlon at Smithy Cottage, though the Woolpack chef swiftly fabricated a story about damaging Ray's car.

"Are you sure that's all there is to this?" Cain questioned Marlon after Ray's departure. Marlon persisted in concealing the reality from Cain, declaring: "We sold the car now anyway, so this time tomorrow we'll be out of a hole. It's sorted."

Will Marlon tell his immediate family about his difficulties?

Following the dramatic scenes, Emmerdale enthusiasts were swift to express their joy at Cain's screen comeback.

ITV audiences had grown worried about the soap stalwart after his notable absence from recent instalments. Cain was previously spotted on 22nd October when he helped Liam Cavanagh (Jonny McPherson) rally villagers to undergo prostate examinations after the doctor's own cancer scare.

"Cain walking in as Ray is threatening Marlon. Oh my good God Cain, we have missed you!!" one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Another commented: "Cain is finally back and back to being the big bad Cain we all know," whilst a third declared: "Master Cain Dingle is back. Oh happy days!"

A fourth supporter mirrored the enthusiasm, stating: "Welcome back Cain! Please please take Ray and Celia down soon!"

Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 at 7.30pm and is available to stream from 7am on ITVX