Emmerdale Icon ‘Returns from the Dead’ Nine Years After Exit, Leaving Fans ‘In Bits’

Emmerdale viewers were in for a surprise as a beloved character made an unexpected ‘return’ to the Dales after nine years, sparking an emotional response from fans of the ITV soap. Val Pollard, played by Charlie Hardwick, was a fan favorite during her time on the show.

Debuting in 2004 as the outspoken wife of Eric Pollard (Chris Chittell), Val became known for her dramatic storylines, from being diagnosed with HIV to engaging in scandalous affairs. Her character’s journey was anything but quiet. However, in 2015, Val’s time in the village came to a tragic end when she was killed off in a helicopter crash, leaving fans devastated.

Val’s death was particularly shocking, as it occurred in a memorable scene where she sacrificed herself to save her sister, Diane Sugden (Elizabeth Estensen), in a house of mirrors. A shard of glass fell from the ceiling, fatally stabbing Val, and her on-screen demise left viewers heartbroken. Even actress Charlie Hardwick previously expressed her disappointment with how her character was written out, describing the decision to kill off Val as “savage” and admitting she was “really hurt” by it, reported Daily Star.

But nearly a decade later, Val made a surprise ‘return’ in a recent episode (August 14). During the episode, Eric and Victoria (Isabel Hodgins) visited the cemetery, where Victoria spent time at her deceased father Jack’s grave. Meanwhile, Eric approached Val’s extravagant gravestone. To the shock and delight of fans, Val’s voice suddenly filled the air, singing Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” from a hidden speaker in the gravestone. Eric humorously remarked, “Sorry, Valerie always gets a bit gobby when I clean her up!”

The unexpected moment brought a wave of nostalgia and emotion to viewers. Fans quickly took to social media to share their reactions. One viewer wrote, “Aww both Eric and Victoria remember Val and Jack respectively. Both legendary #Emmerdale characters.” Another added, “I heard Val’s voice for the first time in 9 years in tonight’s ep and I’m in bits.” A third chimed in, “Wish Val hadn’t been killed off!”

Reflecting on her exit in 2015, Charlie Hardwick told The Mirror: “I loved Emmerdale. It was my choice to leave. I have to say I was absolutely shocked when I found out they were going to kill Val. I was really hurt.” Val Pollard’s brief return, even in voice alone, served as a poignant reminder of the character’s impact on the show and its fans, leaving many wishing for more moments like this in the future.