Emmerdale fans have begged ITV bosses to bring back the "best Dingle."
It’s been more than a decade since fan favourite Eli Dingle was on our TV screens but with his older brother Marlon in hospital following his devastating stroke, viewers are hopeful he could make a return.
Eli Dingle, played by actor Joseph Gilgun, made his first appearance on the long-running soap in 2006 and left in 2010 but his character was never killed off so the door is open for Joe’s return.
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He arrived in the village to see his family following a stint in prison and soon made himself known.
Eli was at the centre of some of Emmerdale's most controversial storylines, from sleeping with his cousin Debbie to assisting in Alice Dingle's suicide and accidentally shooting his brother Marlon.
He was scruffy and lazy, a typical Dingle, but despite that the viewers loved him, describing him as "brilliant" and it seems they are eager for him to make a return to the Dales.
Marlon Dingle needs his family now more than ever, and with best mate Paddy shying away from visiting as he struggles to come to terms with what has happened, Eli could be the saving grace.
Fans certainly think so and they have taken to Twitter in their hundreds to share their pleas.
One viewer begged: “Oh Eli come back! But then I love #Brassic too much!!! The only character I really want back though. #BringBackEliDingle.”
A second suggested: "Think it's about time April asked why she's never met her Uncle Eli, Uncle Scott or Auntie Kelly! Now there’s a good combination of Aunties and Uncles!”
“Just watching [Brassic] makes me miss Joe Gilgun in Emmerdale and want Eli Dingle back so bad!” another fan penned.
It is not known if Eli's character will make a return to the famous village.
He was last seen leaving the village in 2010, where he took one last tearful look back before turning and walking away.
Actor Joseph Gilgun has continued working since his stint in the Dales starring in multiple shows including This Is England to Misfits.
Most recently he has grown popular playing Vinnie in the hit TV series Brassic alongside Michelle Kegan.
Emmerdale airs weeknights from 7:30pm on ITV.
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