Emmerdale legend randomly reappears after six months – and fans are thrilled

| Soaps Reporter Published August 19, 2026 9:06am Updated August 19, 2026 9:06am To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Emmerdale fans were thrilled tuning into last night’s episode of the ITV soap, as a character returned to our screens after six months. Rodney Blackstock, played by Patrick Mower, has been a staple of the show since 2000. He is the father of Nicola King (Nicola Wheeler) and Bernice Blackstock (Samantha Giles), and often seen trying to support his two daughters in their latest drama. Surprisingly, the last time we saw Rodney was way back in February of this year. That all changed yesterday, as the character was in the café chatting to grandson Elliot (Luca Hoyle) about how he thinks a ‘proper education’ is a complete waste of time. Elliot recently received his A-Level results, which means the family have spent a lot of time discussing what the young man is going to do now he’s left school. Rodney thinks he turned out alright without spending years in further education, but Nicola stood her ground, concluding that she wants Elliot to go to university. Patrick has played Rodney since 2000 (Picture: ITV) We haven’t seen Rodney since February (Picture: ITV) Jimmy King (Nick Miles) put his tuppence worth in, hinting that he’d quite like to teach Elliot how to drive so he can eventually take over the family business…which conveniently works out a lot cheaper than sending him to uni. No-one actually bothered to ask Elliot what he wants, but sure. After seeing Rodney again, fans of Emmerdale took to social media platform X to express their joy at seeing the legendary face again. Matthew wrote: ‘Welcome back Rodney! #Emmerdale’. Thrilled to see him Mike said: ‘RODNEY been ages since he’s been in scenes. #Emmerdale’, while Ryan said: ‘Welcome back Rodney’, with some clapping hands emojis. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. We will no doubt see Rodney in the near future, as he’ll be on hand to support Nicola and the children in the aftermath of Jimmy King’s death. We’ve known for a while now that Nick Miles is leaving his role as Jimmy, with the character being killed off. The exit is set to coincide with the return of Sadie King, played by Patsy Kensit. A source told Metro earlier this year: ‘The scenes promise to be spectacular but the outcome will leave many fans shocked. Nick Miles is leaving his role as Jimmy King (Picture: ITV) ‘It may prove controversial but the jaw-dropping storyline will set in motion some massive consequences for many months to follow.’ Elsewhere in exit news, Olivia Bromley will soon say goodbye to her character Dawn Taylor, while Bradley Johnson is expected to depart as Vinny Dingle. Deals of the Day Parents can save up to 30% on Kickers school shoes ahead of the new term The back-to-school hack that's helping parents avoid queues and sold-out sizes Could your hair be wavy rather than straight? This brand thinks so Could your star sign improve your skincare routine? This new beauty launch thinks so Best skincare for menopausal skin? This dermatologist-created treatment is tailored to you We also recently said farewell to Jack Downham’s character Noah Dingle, while Caroline Harker’s soap alter-ego Doctor Caitlin Todd was killed by Sarah Sugden (Katie Hill). Arrow MORE: Jimmy’s sad secret is haunting ahead of legend’s devastating Emmerdale exit Arrow MORE: Chris Coghill breathes oxygen into romance for Emmerdale’s Kev and Nicola Arrow MORE: Happy ending teased for Jimmy and Nicola in Emmerdale – and we believe it, right? The Soaps Newsletter – Weekly Sign up for exclusive spoilers and interviews, handpicked by our Soaps Editor.