Emmerdale fans have been left fearful for Aaron Dingle’s fate after the character returned to the ITV soap this week.
The actor – who quit as mechanic Aaron last year – has reprised his role for a limited run of episodes for the soap’s 50th anniversary.
During Tuesday evening’s episode, Emmerdale fans learn that Aaron has found a new romance during his time away from the Dales, with an Italian named Marco.
As Aaron has moved on from murdered boyfriend Ben Tucker, he told daughter Liv and her husband Vinny that his new man will be moving to the Dales – as he’s back for good.
However, given that actor Danny Miller confirmed he is only back for a brief spell, Emmerdale fans have been left concerned he could be facing dire scenes during the major anniversary this month.
Taking to Twitter as the episode came to a close, one fan wrote: “Now ya know as Aaron has said he won't be leaving again that's exactly what's he'll do.”
A second chimed: “Aaron: “I won’t be leaving here again” Danny Miller in interviews: “I’m back for a 6 week stint” Well somethings going to go to s*** then.”
A third darkly predicted: “Aaron’s getting killed next week,” as another questioned: “Is Aaron back for good?”
This comes after actor Danny spoke about his character’s new love interest, saying: “He’s got a boyfriend, he was in France with Adam, then they both moved to Italy and then Aaron's met this guy called Marco and he talks about him quite a lot about, like Aaron always does, 'this is for keeps, this is for good’.
“He’s said that about everyone and then he’s in another relationship. He’s been in Italy for the majority of the time from France."
However fans shouldn’t expect to meet Marco as Aaron is only back for a short stint.
"It's a short stint, six and a half weeks, I think," he added. "I never imagined after I’m A Celebrity that I'd come back for a long period of time so soon, so when they called and asked if I'd like to be a part of the 50th, I was instantly interested.
"Emmerdale has been huge for me, it was an honour that I got asked to return and say happy birthday."
He added: “It was just nice to be back for a short stint and see everybody. It's like going to a party every day and just catching up with people all over the place, cast and crew.
"I've got a few things on at the end of the year, a pantomime and stuff, and then I've got a job next year as well, so it's just not the right time at the moment.
"But I'm not one of those actors that say 'No, that's it now, I've shelved it'. As I said, it's a massive part of my life, a huge part of my life, and it always will be.
“There's never a chance of me ever saying I'll never go back."