Arthur Thomas (Alfie Clarke) has come back to Emmerdale a different man. He’s somehow returned with a whole new personality, one that is strong enough to put the malicious Jai (Chris Bisson) in his place.

Arthur returned from his travels around Australia to find his family dissolved and his mum recovering from a heart attack. Not long after he’d got back, he witnessed Laurel (Charlotte Bellamy) have a funny turn, allegedly due to her recovery, and Arthur snapped at Jai for what he’s been doing to her.

Arthur seems to be Jai’s kryptonite. After being confronted by the teen about the treatment of his mum and Jai’s plans to rip Mulberry Cottage out of her hands, Jai fully backed down. Jai has a heart, it seems.

Jai was gutted that Arthur held a mirror up in front of him, and was even more disappointed for Arthur to tell him that their stepfather/step son relationship is finished.

Crushed by this, Jai is now determined to get things back on track with the lad, but he is not interested. Charles (Kevin Mathurin) encourages Jai to fight for their relationship, but he’s left floored when Arthur refuses to even acknowledge him. Which means scheming Jai must resort to other tactics to get what he wants from Arthur.

But he also plans to keep it on the down low – his mum in particular has enough on her plate. He invites Lewis over, and there’s a frisson between them. Through first date awkwardness, Arthur tries to settle their nerves by inviting him in for a beer.

It appears their date goes well, but afterwards Arthur and Lewis stealthily try to dispose of their beer bottles. But who should see them? Jai. This is just the leverage he needs.

Arthur is left fearful Jai will tell Laurel – will Jai use this to bargain with Arthur to make him talk?