Thursday’s ‘Emmerdale’ confirmed what many fans had suspected, when it was revealed that the woman hiding out in the barn is Faith Dingle.
The character’s return was teased months ago, but bosses refused to confirm whether the mystery arrival was actually Faith, with viewers having to wait until the drama played out on screen.
And while many long term ‘Emmerdale’ fans will know all about the character, there’ll be just as many who aren’t to sure about exactly who she is.
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Faith had an altercation with Eric Pollard when she turned up at the B'n'B
ITV
So what are Faith’s links to the village? And what could her arrival mean for the Dingles?
Find out everything you need to know below…
She’s Cain and Chas’s mum
Faith was previously married to Shadrach - who died in 2010 - and Chas was their only child together. While Cain believed that Shadrach was his dad, he later discovered that Zak is actually his biological father, thanks to a secret affair his mother had with her brother-in-law.
Faith was last seen in the Dales in 2004
Then still played by Gillian Jephcott, she arrived just as the Dingles were celebrating their 10th year in the village, and made an attempt to get to know her granddaughter, Debbie.
Unfortunately for her, Cain refused to let the duo build a bond… Will things be different this time around?
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She later collapsed, and it was when she rushed to hospital that her identity was revealed
ITV
She now has more grandchildren in the village
Faith’s time in the Dales in 2004 briefly crossed over with the arrival of Aaron Dingle, but took place long before Cain’s son Kyle was introduced.
Faith is being played by Sally Dexter
English actress Sally boasts impressive credits from the screen and stage, and has previously popped up in ‘A Touch Of Frost’ and ‘Goodnight Sweetheart’. She spent a number of years as part of the Royal Shakespeare Company, and has also trod the boards in ‘Bad Girls - The Musical’ and ‘Macbeth’.
Her arrival was teased over a year ago
‘Emmerdale’ producer Iain MacLeod first revealed plans to bring Faith back in January 2016. “While it might look like she’s a whole lot of fun and trouble at the start of it, the story that we get to is likely to be a lot more serious,” he said. “It’s a big family drama to ensue, is all I can really say at this point.”
Catch up on all the latest soap news and spoilers here.
Soap Stars We Want To See Back On TV
Bet Lynch, 'Coronation Street'(01 of13)
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Julie Goodyear's already returned four times since leaving the soap back in 1966. Surely one more 'Corrie' comeback wouldn't hurt? (credit:Phil Noble/PA Archive/Press Association Images)
Brenden Brady, 'Hollyoaks'(02 of13)
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Brenden was last seen being escorted to prison after confessing to multiple murders... Well, he has to come out of prison at some point, right? (credit:Ben A. Pruchnie via Getty Images)
Becky McDonald, 'Coronation Street'(03 of13)
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Becky, played by Katherine Kelly, finally got her happy ending but we'd love to see her causing problems again on 'Coronation Street'. (credit:Eamonn and James Clarke/Eamonn and James Clarke)
Mandy Dingle, 'Emmerdale'(04 of13)
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Lisa Riley's character was one of the original Dingle clan and she'd definitely shake things up significantly by arriving back in the Dales again. (credit:Michael Walter/PA Archive)
Tina McIntyre, 'Coronation Street'(05 of13)
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We know Michelle Keegan only made her 'Corrie' exit in early 2014, but it'd be great to see her back, wouldn't it?Oh and yes, her character also died, but we're sure the writers could get creative and make it happen somehow... (credit:ITV)
Kim Tate, 'Emmerdale' (06 of13)
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Kim fled the Dales halfway through her own trial in 1999 and we wish she'd come back and cause some more trouble. (credit:PA/PA Archive)
Harold Bishop, 'Neighbours'(07 of13)
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The much-loved shopkeeper would always be welcome back on Ramsey Street - even though 'Neighbours' boss Susan Bower said she thinks his character should have been killed off after his dramatic cancer storyline. (credit:Anthony Devlin/PA Wire)
Justin Burton, 'Hollyoaks' (08 of13)
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Long before his 'Corrie' days, Chris Fountain starred as fans' favourite Justin in 'Hollyoaks'.Justin made his grand exit in 2009 when he left with Russ Owen. (credit:Gareth Cattermole via Getty Images)
Janice Battersby, 'Coronation Street'(09 of13)
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Vicky Entwistle played Janice for 14 years before leaving in 2011 and the Underworld factory hasn't been the same since. (credit:Eamonn Clarke/allaction.co.uk /Eamonn and James Clarke)
Charlene Robinson, 'Neighbours'(10 of13)
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It's been a long time since Kylie last appeared on the Aussie soap (26 years to be precise) and rumour has it, she could be making a comeback for the anniversary edition of 'Neighbours'... (credit:All Action/EMPICS Entertainment)
Scott Robinson, 'Neighbours(11 of13)
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...Of course, it wouldn't be right if Kylie went back without Jason though, would it?! (credit:PA/PA Archive/Press Association Images)
Chrissie Watts, 'EastEnders' (12 of13)
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Chrissie finally killed off Dirty Den after his reappearance in the Square, after being presumed dead for years. She's now in jail for the murder, but we'd love to see the look on Sharon's face if she made her way back to Walford. (credit:Ian West/PA Archive)
Sam Mitchell, 'EastEnders'(13 of13)
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The rest of the Mitchell clan are set for a reunion, and it just wouldn't be right without Peggy Mitchell's daughter would it? (credit:Ian West/PA Archive)