Missing Emmerdale star to return to screens after two years

| Soaps Reporter Published July 17, 2026 11:01am Updated July 17, 2026 11:59am Emmerdale is set to welcome back a character last seen in 2024 (Picture: ITV/Metro) Emmerdale star Luca Hoyle has confirmed his return to the ITV soap after two years off-screen. The young actor has played Elliot Windsor since 2016, but hasn’t appeared on screen since December 11, 2024. Elliot is the son of Jimmy King (Nick Miles) and Kelly Windsor. Jimmy had no idea of Elliot’s existence until Kelly introduced them in 2012. In 2016, Elliot moved in with his dad permanently. Now, actor Luca has released a statement on Instagram through his musical theatre school, Pendleton School of Theatre, announcing his return to Emmerdale. ‘After a short break, I am so excited to say that this summer I am back in the studio filming for a new storyline as Elliot Windsor in Emmerdale,’ he said. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. ‘It’s a role I’ve been lucky enough to play since 2016, and it’s such a privilege to still be part of it. Looking forward to seeing where this next chapter goes.’ Luca Hoyle has played Elliot Windsor since 2016 (Picture: ITV) He went on to enthuse about the work he has been doing with the school during his time away from the Emmerdale set, expressing his gratitude to his peers and teachers. The comments section on the post was full of support for Luca, including a message from his dad, who said: ‘Proud dad …keep looking forward big lad.’ ‘Omg so exciting so proud of you,’ another supporter wrote, while an Emmerdale fan added: ‘Welcome Back Luca!!!’ Luca’s return to the role of Elliot comes just months after the unexpected announcement that soap stalwart Jimmy is set to be killed off. His ending is set to coincide with the explosive return of Sadie King (Patsy Kensit), who was last seen leaving the village in 2006, when she was double-crossed by Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) after the pair staged a kidnapping. Sadie King is also set to return (Picture: ITV) The end is nigh for Jimmy (Picture: ITV/Mark Bruce/Shutterstock) A source previously told Metro: ‘The scenes promise to be spectacular but the outcome will leave many fans shocked. ‘It may prove controversial but the jaw-dropping storyline will set in motion some massive consequences for many months to follow.’ Sadie was Jimmy’s ex-wife, and we can only imagine that her return will shake things up for Jimmy and his wife, Nicola King (Nicola Wheeler). Deals of the Day Wuka launches the UK’s first period-proof swimwear for heavy flows Bridgerton fans are rushing to buy these new Netflix-inspired perfumes now £12 off The affordable summer wardrobe update you'll wear from rooftop drinks to beach holidays The £7.99 lip balm beauty fans love for glossy, hydrated lips just dropped four new shades This Keskine hydrogel mask could fix your summer skin Could Jimmy’s final storyline and Sadie’s return be what puts Elliot back on our screens? Arrow MORE: Emmerdale launches unexpected new spin-off series with first episode imminent Arrow MORE: Coronation Street star marks 10 years since devastating exit and character who is ‘forever missed’ Arrow MORE: Coronation Street’s Beverley Callard ‘so happy’ as she shares cancer update The Soaps Newsletter – Weekly Sign up for exclusive spoilers and interviews, handpicked by our Soaps Editor.