ITV Emmerdale's Tina Dingle makes dramatic return after 28 years ...

Thursday's episode of Emmerdale delivered a bombshell as Tina Dingle made an unexpected return to the village after 28 years, sporting a completely new look. The Dingles were left in shock during Zak Dingle's funeral when his long-estranged daughter, once portrayed by Jacqueline Pirie, reappeared.

Tina, who was last seen in 1996, came back for her father Zak's send-off, now played by Samantha Power, known for her roles in Ackley Bridge and Brassic. As the family gathered to mourn the loss of the soap legend, a fresh face approached the graveside.

Initially, her identity was a mystery, but as she neared the Dingles, it became evident she was there to stir things up, exclaiming: "Dear God, this family couldn't organise its way out of a paper bag."

It was Chas Dingle who recognised her cousin, remarking: "The one and only Tina Dingle," which led Belle Dingle to respond in disbelief: "What my sister? ". Without missing a beat, Tina responded: "Did you seriously think I wouldn't come? " This twist follows the news that another Dingle comeback had been dismissed.

Debbie Dingle's potential return to the fold seemed off the cards as of Wednesday's episode, with Charley Webb's character confirming her absence from the village, reports the Mirror.

Online speculation had fans buzzing about the possibility of Debbie Dingle returning to Emmerdale, following a cast list that seemed to suggest a twist. Debbie has been off-screen, living with her grandfather Zak in Scotland since leaving the village.

However, those hoping for her comeback will be disappointed, as it was confirmed on the show that she won't be attending an upcoming service and isn't planning a return to the village anytime soon. In Wednesday's episode, Cain Dingle called his wife Moira from Scotland to break the news that Debbie wouldn't be coming back with him.

Moira, speaking to Cain on the phone, said: "So Debbie is not gonna go? No I know it's her choice."

The call dropped shortly after, and Moira conveyed the unfortunate update to her son Matty Barton. When Matty inquired, "Is Debbie not coming back for the funeral? " Moira responded, "She's told Cain that she can't face it, it has hit her hard."

This revelation came after Debbie's mother Charity Dingle expressed concern for her daughter, who was unreachable after the news of Zak's death.