The character’s absence was explained last month (June 27), as Laurel said that he was on the other side of the world as he travelled around Australia, with fans wondering when he would return.

The wait is set to be over soon, however, as Clarke posted on Instagram to share that he had returned to filming, writing: “Good to be back💪 @emmerdale #emmerdale #backtowork #soapopera #village”

The post, which also included a photo of the Emmerdale set, was met with several joyful messages from fans, with one follower writing: “Welcome back. It will be great to see you on our television screens.”

“Your my favourite actor on Emmerdale @alfieclarke.official” wrote a second follower, with a third adding: “We missed u in emmerdale alfie.” “at last, really miss you!” wrote a fourth fan, with a fifth adding: “Welcome back lad.”

When Arthur returns, he will be thrust into the drama following his mother’s heart attack, which was triggered following a heated argument with her husband Jai. Laurel was subsequently discharged from hospital and safely returned home, but the tension didn’t stop there, with the couple deciding to split up.

“I don’t think there’s any way back for them as a couple now, sadly,” said Charlotte Bellamy, who plays Laurel, of the developments. “She is sticking to her guns, without a doubt. Also, she thinks about the goodness of Ashley, her late husband, and how no one will ever compare to him.

“He was sort of saintly, whereas Jai is a rotter! Her heart attack made her recalibrate her life and see things for what they are. Laurel has a second chance at life – does she really want to be with a man like that?”