Kate McGregor returns to work in the Dales

Actress Kate McGregor goes back to work in the Dales next week to film her much-anticipated return to Emmerdale as Emily Kirk – and it's going to be dramatic.

We last saw Emily on screen back in February when she ran off with baby Sarah, the daughter of Debbie Dingle (Charley Webb) and Andy Sugden (Kelvin Fletcher). The aftermath saw the Dingle family disown Debbie while grandfather Cain (Jeff Hordley) and father Andy were – and still are – up in arms about the child's disappearance.

Ironically, Kate left Emmerdale to have a child of her own and gave birth to a healthy baby at the beginning of the year.

A spokeswoman for the soap told DS: "We're delighted to welcome Kate back after her maternity leave and we're looking forward to the storylines which surround her return."

A source added: "Expect fireworks when Emily reappears to face the music. It's going to be fantastic."

The scenes are due to air late October.