Emmerdale fans 'work out' popular character is returning for Christmas - and it's not Robert Sugden

Emmerdale recently welcomed back bad boy Ross Barton (Michael Parr) following the character's six-year absence. But fans of the ITV soap are now speculating Peter Barton (Anthony Quinlan) is also making his way back to the village in time for Christmas.

Pete was last seen leaving the Dales in early 2020 to start a new life elsewhere. He was waved off by other villagers as they wished him luck before he drove away, not to be seen again.

It is thought Pete went to Liverpool to join his brother Ross who had a started up a new life alongside Rebecca White (Emily Head) and her son Seb in 2018.

Ross' reappearance stirred up feelings of nostalgia among long-term soap viewers as they reminisce about the Barton family, with some making an unsuspecting appearance.

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Ross' mother Emma (Gillian Kearney) murdered his father James (Bill Ward) back in 2016. Emma met her fate in 2017 after inadvertently causing the death of her son and Ross' brother, Finn (Joe Gill).

She was discovered at the Hotten Viaduct, where it was later revealed that Moira Dingle (Natalie J Robb) had pushed her to her death with her son and Ross' half-brother, Adam Barton (Adam Thomas), fleeing after taking the blame.

In a twist, Moira recently saw Emma as a figment of her imagination before the barn fire. Then last week, Holly Barton (Sophie Powles) also made a surprise cameo as Moira envisioned her late daughter while having brain surgery.

With Ross now back, it remains to be seen what Pete is doing and whether he might also make a return. But some Emmerdale fans think Pete will return in December.

Taking to a Reddit thread, one person explained: "Guess who’s back - theory", followed by a new headshot taken from Quinlan's Instagram account. Another replied: "It’s been a Barton revival recently and after tonight I think Ross is gonna need his brother."

A third pointed out: "September- Emma Appeared October - Ross Returned November - Holly Appeared December - Pete shall return."

"He'd deffo have an affair with someone as well. Who this time? Chas? Charity? GABBY?!" added another.

Emmerdale airs weekdays at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.