Adam Thomas begs Emmerdale bosses to ‘bring him back’ as he admits he’s desperate for soap return after I’m A Celeb

ADAM Thomas has begged Emmerdale bosses to bring back his character – six years after soap exit. The TV favourite played Adam Barton on the show for nine years before departing in 2018 when his character was forced to go on the run after covering for his mum Moira’s role in the murder of Emma Barton. Adam Thomas has begged ITV bosses to bring him back to Emmerdale Credit: Getty The actor left the soap in 2018 Credit: ITV Adam, 38, has now revealed that he’s desperate to return to the soap and is keeping his fingers crossed that he gets the call. Speaking exclusively to The Sun at The Inside Soap Awards 2026, Adam said: “I still watch Emmerdale and is will always hold a special place in my heart. Sign up for the Emmerdale newsletter Thank you! “I was there for eight years, I always try and watch when and where I can. There was so many people that became family. “They’ve never asked me to go back, I can’t believe it. Adam celebrated winning Best Drama Star award for his role in Waterloo Road Credit: Getty The TV favourite said he’s waiting on ITV to call him Credit: ITV Press Handout “That’s why I’m here really, hoping they will see me and go ‘do you fancy going back to Emmerdale, so fingers crossed, never say never.” When asked if Adam would return if asked, Adam said: “Yes, I would love to go back. I feel like Moira and Cain are the backbone of soap. “It’s mad because I’m here tonight and obviously there are some old faces and new faces as well, but you’ve got your Cain and Moira and I feel like you need that in soap. “But I would go back if they asked.” Most read in Showbiz Last night Adam celebrated winning Best Drama Star award for his role in Waterloo Road. He walked the red carpet alongside his co-star 11-year-old son Teddy. Last summer, Adam took to Instagram to confirm that he had made a surprise return to the Dales as he posed alongside the famous Emmerdale sign on the way into the village. He put his thumbs up in the selfie before adding the cheeky caption: “I’m BACK!!!!” His post left fans in a flurry as they were quick to assume he was returning as his character of Adam – but is all as it seems? One fan wrote in the comments section: “I really hope this is true as you were my favorite Barton ever!!!!!!!” Someone else added: “The boy is back! Robert, Aaron and Adam. I can’t wait!!” However, Adam returned to the Leeds filming set for another project and won’t be making a comeback to his acting role. Adam is currently still appearing as Donte Charles in BBC school based drama series, Waterloo Road, with no plans to leave the role. He first rose to fame on the programme before his Emmerdale stint and later returned to the show when it was revived by BBC bosses. As well as his time on Waterloo Road, his profile rose through reality TV stints on I’m A Celebrity and Strictly Come Dancing. He has also turned his hand to presenting with stints hosting the jungle spin-off show as well as recently teaming up with his brother, Ryan Thomas, for ITV programme, 99 To Beat. Off-screen, Adam has been facing a gruelling health battle for the past two years which he confessed has left him in the utmost pain. Adam was diagnosed with rhematoid arthritis – a condition that effects the joints – in 2023 just before he took part in Strictly Come Dancing. Last year, he spoke about living with the condition during an appearance on Good Morning Britain. He recalled: “I’ve been struggling with this autoimmune disease now for about two and a half years. “It’s been tough. I’m not over-exaggerating when I say this but literally within two and a half years, every day I’ve been in pain. “It’s difficult but now I feel like I’ve found – because I’ve been on so many different meds and trying so many different things, back and forth from doctor’s and hospitals.” Adam revealed he is trying out a new “carnivore diet” and says it has helped. He said: “I’ve noticed a huge difference, especially within the past couple of weeks. “It’s given me a little bit of hope now. “I can see light at the end of the tunnel. I’m feeling the best way I’ve felt for a while.” Comment now