Emmerdale viewers say ‘at last’ as fan favourite returns after months off-screen

Cain Dingle was arrested during the latest visit to Emmerdale but fans were more interested in the return of a popular police officer

Emmerdale fans were over the moon as a familar face returned after a lengthy break.

PC Mike Swirling is a local bobby who frequently interacts with the residents of Emmerdale village, making his first appearance on the popular ITV soap back in 2004.

Fast forward 22 years and the copper remains a firm fixture in the village, having featured in over 263 episodes. However, it’s been months since PC Swirling was seen on screens until Monday (May 25) aired his long-awaited comeback.

In the episode, Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) had his catheter removal after recently undergoing a successful radical prostatectomy to treat aggressive prostate cancer and soon swept away to a sense of normality as he enjoyed a pint at the Woolpack.

He ignored his brother Caleb Miligan’s (Will Ash) urges to slow down as he ordered a whiskey chaser.and got caught short on his way home.

Cain decided to relieve himself at the side of the road but soon found himself arrested by PC Swirling and his colleague for urinating in public and drunk and disorderly conduct.

Furious in his cell, Cain was wound up when Swirling offered him some sweatpants and was left simmering to hear he’s being held overnight.

Fans took to social media to share their delight at seeing the police officer back in action. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one fan penned: “THE GOAT RETURNS! APPRECIATION POST FOR THE MAN! THE MYTH! THE LEGEND! – PC SWIRLING.”

Another added: “Swirling!!! We are now safe!! Never disappear again.” A third person said: “PC SWIRLING!!! IVE MISSED YOU. I hope you enjoyed your time off #Emmerdale.”

A fourth social media user penned: “Hello Swirling. You’ve been missed. #emmerdale.” Someone else posted: “At last for the first time all year, we have a PC Swirling sighting!”

Actor Andy Moore has appeared in numerous television programmes, including Sky Peals in 2023, Fred and Marv in 2021, The Bill in 2007, The Royal in 2006 and Dream Team in 2002.

He also made a guest appearance on rival ITV soap Coronation Street in 2005 as a driver for two episodes. Five years later, he returned to the cobbles when he took on the role of a photographer.

Emmerdale spoilers confirm that Moira berates Cain in upcoming scenes and asks him to explain exactly what landed him in the cells, but Cain is lost for words.

Ashamed, will Cain open up to Moira about the real reason he ended up in the police station? Cain later worries about being away from a toilet when in public.

Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 at 8pm and available to stream from 7am on ITVX