After being sent away when her secret was discovered, last night’s (July 18) episode saw Ella (Paula Lane) lurking around the village. When questioned by Mandy Dingle (Riley), Ella promised she was only briefly back to collect her things.

Later, Ella and Dawn were both found unconscious in their own vehicles, following a crash. At the hospital, Ella surprised Mandy with the revelation that she was pregnant, before the two friends shared a touching moment.

In an Instagram post, Riley shared a sweet picture of herself and Lane grinning together. She thanked fans for their positive reaction to the episode.

“🙏🏻🙏🏻😍😍THANK YOU THANK YOU so so so so much for your beautiful comments regarding last nights episode “Ella’s Return” written by the fantastic @adamsales1,” she wrote in the caption.

“Mandy & Ella’s friendship is really strong, they trust each other and have deep loyalty, as they understand one another-so plenty more scenes to come. Which is selfishly great for me, as I adore working with @paula_laney not only is she amazing, she’s a bloody great giggle 🤩🤩🤩 @emmerdale #emmerdale #friend #friendship #thankyou #greatful

Fans were glad to see the duo back together, both on and off screen. “Great to see you working together again ❤️” one commented. “Can’t wait to see how your friendship develops!! 👏👏” another wrote.

A third agreed: “It was a brilliant episode last night and a lovely friendship between you both can’t wait to see what is next to for you both love it ❤️”

As Ella returns with a whole new secret, will she be honest with Liam?