Freeman 'in talks' for 'Emmerdale' return

Ben Freeman has met with Emmerdale producers to discuss a possible return to the soap, according to a report.

The actor played mechanic Scott Windsor on the ITV1 show from 1998 but he was axed in 2007 after being charged with rape in Barbados. At the time, producers announced that they had made the decision because they could not be certain of the star's future availability for work.

Freeman, 28, was eventually cleared after facing trial last month. Speaking later, the former soap star said that he felt grateful after being "vindicated" by the jury.

The People claims that Freeman visited the Emmerdale studios on Friday and discussed a future comeback. As he left, the actor was spotted sharing a joke with Lesley Dunlop, who plays Brenda Walker.

An insider told the newspaper: "Ben came with his agent to meet producers about a possible return. There's been no decision but it looked as if it went well."

An Emmerdale spokesperson added: "An initial meeting took place between Ben, his agent and our producers but no decision has been taken at this stage, as it is an ongoing process."