Payne praises 'fantastic' Dales co-stars

Emmerdale actress Deena Payne has revealed that her co-stars gave her a warm welcome when she returned to the soap's set.

The 54-year-old, who plays Viv Hope on the ITV1 show, made her Dales comeback last month after taking a one-year break for personal reasons.

"Everybody's been absolutely fantastic," she confirmed. "All the scenes are taking so long because everyone has been giving me big hugs and sincerely saying they've missed me. It's been so lovely coming back to work - it was well worth going away for!"

Payne also admitted that she barely thought about the Yorkshire-based programme during her time away.

She commented: "I wanted a complete break, and didn't even open a script again until I absolutely thought I had to. But the moment I read one, I got all excited and I've been excited ever since. I can't tell you how brilliant it is to be back."

Tony Audenshaw, better known as Payne's screen husband Bob, recently confessed that he struggled during the actress's absence.

Viewers will see Viv making her return tomorrow night at 7pm on ITV1.