Emmerdale fans issue a long list of returnee hopes including Lady Tara, Jean Tate, Kathy Glover and Steve Marchant

With classic characters such as Cindy Beale, David Wicks and Chrissie Watts making a return to EastEnders, Emmerdale fans are hoping for something similar.

Last month, it was revealed that Ross Barton would be returning to Emmerdale. He was very popular during his time in the Dales, but fans want some older nostalgia.

Following a post on X, fans of the soap listed which old school characters they want to see again. Here’s a selection of the most popular choices.

Lady Tara Thornfield

Played by Anna Brecon, Lady Tara made her first appearance in Emmerdale in 1997. Fans warmed to her because, despite being somewhat uppity, there was comedy to her character.

During her time in the Dales, she upset the residents when she evicted a lot of them – fair enough. As like most people, she also had a rivalry with Kim Tate.

However, she was no stranger to a bit of rough and embarked on an affair with her driver Biff Fowler, before leaving the village with Sean Reynolds – who she later married.

Steve Marchant

Another character who got on the wrong side of Kim Tate was Steve Marchant. He appeared in the soap for a few years in the late 90s.

Steve became the second husband of Kim Tate. He left the village after being framed by Kim and sentenced to 10 years in prison. Though, to be fair, the sentence was mainly for the attempted murder of Kathy – which he was guilty of.

Actor Paul Opacic has recently been seen in Coronation Street as the villainous Stefan. But Emmerdale fans are eager for Steve to return to the village and get revenge on Kim for stabbing him in the back. One fan said on X: “Steve could team up with Will and Caleb to try and take down Kim, but of course they would fail.”

Emmerdale return: Kathy Glover

Talking of Kathy, she is also a popular choice amongst fans for an Emmerdale return. Kathy was a mainstay in Emmerdale throughout the late 80s and the 90s before moving to Australia.

Aside from being run over by Steve, Kathy had many other near death experiences. She was in a car suspended on the edge of a cliff and was involved in the bus crash that killed Butch Dingle.

She was also famous for her many weddings – most famously to Chris Tate and Dave Glover. Not all the weddings ended in marriage, mind. After Dave died, she hooked up with his former brother-in-law Biff, but he jilted her at the alter.

On a potential return, one fan said: “She could speak about Butch, Seth, Alan and of course come face to face with Kim Tate again.” Viewers will remember that Kim had an affair with Dave, because of course she did.

Emmerdale return: Jean Tate

Jean only appeared in Emmerdale as a small child, but fans are eager to see what the dynamic would be like with Kim Tate. One fan wrote on X: “It needs to happen. Wouldn’t have her being anti-Kim, she could be an ally for her. Could be an interesting legacy character to have around.”

Named after her grandmother – and Frank Tate’s first wife – Jean was the daughter of Zoe Tate and Scott Windsor following a one night stand – which Zoe didn’t initially remember.

Zoe had a strained relationship with her step mum Kim, but fans think Jean could bridge that gap. It would certainly be interesting.

Biff Fowler

The previously mentioned Biff is another blast from the past Emmerdale fans want to catch up with. He first appeared in the soap in 1994 as a biker.

Biff was happily married to Linda – but that was torn apart when she died in a car crash.

Following flings with Kelly Windsor and Lady Tara, Biff was all set to marry Kathy, but decided to ride off on his motorbike into the sunset instead.

Who else would Emmerdale fans like to see return?

Other names mentioned included Josh Lewis, who only actually appeared on screen for a few months – Emmerdale fans do not forget! He had an affair with Kathy, but departed following the 1993 plane crash. After Kathy’s husband Chris was paralysed, Josh knew Kathy wouldn’t leave him.

Other names mentioned were characters who are in fact dead – though a small detail like that hasn’t stopped a soap before. One fan suggested Vic Windsor, saying: “A weird choice I know, but he was a real character.” Fans also want Viv Windsor resurrected, as well as Joe Sugden.

READ MORE: Kim Tate is better than this petty war with Will – here’s what needs to happen next

Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.

Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.

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