Sandy to make 'Emmerdale' return

Actor Freddie Jones is to make a return to Emmerdale after almost a year's break from the ITV soap.

The 81-year-old, who played Sandy Thomas between November 2005 and March this year, has signed to return to the Yorkshire-based show for at least six months.

He quit his role to take a break from acting but the door was left open for a potential return. Producers have now lured him back with the promise of a dramatic storyline with on-screen granddaughter Jasmine Thomas (Jenna-Louise Coleman) and son Ashley Thomas (John Middleton).

Speaking of the return, series producer Anita Turner told The Mirror: "The return of Freddie has to be one of our most exciting signings for 2009. When I joined Emmerdale, Freddie had already said he was leaving, and I was devastated."

She added: "I'm a huge fan and can't wait for the chance to work with him."

Jones returns to filming at the end of the year and will reappear on screen in February.