Emmerdale fans were left surprised during the latest episode of the Yorkshire soap as one of its younger stars made a reappearance. Arthur Thomas, the 14-year-old son of Laurel Thomas and the late Ashley Thomas, is played by Alfie Clarke and was unrecognisable to some fans in the instalment on Tuesday, March 22.
The village is still coming to terms with the shock news of Marlon Dingle's stroke and emergency surgery. One of the families particularly upset by Marlon's health battle is Laurel Thomas and son Arthur - Laurel dated chef Marlon before they tied the knot in 2014 and had a brief marriage.
In scenes on Tuesday's episode, Laurel's ex Jai Sharma visited Mulberry Cottage, after his dad Rishi burst into The Hide eager to talk to an already upset Laurel about why she split with his son. Jai found Laurel looking at photos of her wedding to Marlon and when she asked Jai if he could stay, he had high hopes but instead she asked him to watch the kids whilst she went to the pub to find out the latest news on her ex-husband.
Just moments after she closes the door, her teenage son Arthur walked down the stairs in his dressing gown. Clearly upset by the shock news he told Jai how much he missed his own dad.
Many fans had to do a double-take when they saw the actor, who was wearing a set of dark-framed glasses. Viewers took to Twitter to ask if the actor had been changed because he looked so different.
Daisy tweeted: "Catching up on #emmerdale had the actor for Arthur changed? Or is it just the glasses throwing me off?" and Amy Lenton added: "Arthur ages five years every time we see him #emmerdale".
"Oooh is this a new Arthur? #Emmerdale" Natalie Booth. Jen posted: "#Emmerdale Wow Arthur has grown up overnight..!!!! Looks like a young man".
"Arthur is like a new kid! #Emmerdale" Lily tweeted. Ryan Glendenning added: "Arthur's voice has dropped he sounds so grown up now. #Emmerdale"
It's not the first time the young actor has surprised Emmerdale fans. On his return to the soap after a break due to the pandemic it was obvious to many how much time had passed since he was last on screen. Many fans commented on how much he had grown.
Viewers can expect to see a lot more of Arthur in the coming weeks as he's set to be part of a big storyline which will see him accuse his mum of having an affair and that being the reason she split with Jai. But will he believe Jai when he tells him the truth?
Emmerdale continues on ITV and ITV Hub weeknights from 7.30pm
