Emmerdale spoilers follow from Monday’s episode (30 June), which is available to watch now on streaming service ITVX but hasn’t yet aired on ITV1.

Emmerdale airs Lydia Dingle’s return scenes tonight after her three-month absence from the soap.

The popular character features in new scenes, confirming that she’s back in the village after time away taking care of her mum.

In Monday’s episode, Lydia pops into the café and is warmly greeted by both Joe and Kim Tate.

Joe quips that he’s pleased to see Home Farm’s trusty cleaner back, as he’s “getting really sick and tired of dusting” – although this earns a sceptical response from Lydia, who doubts that he’s been getting his hands dirty.

lydia dingle, emmerdale

ITV

Related: Emmerdale star praises new show villain ahead of terrifying first scenes

Updating Kim on how her mum is getting along, Lydia reveals: “Well, she’s back to bossing me about and giving me the running commentary on every last twinge.

“I’ll be to-ing and fro-ing a bit, but she’s definitely on the mend.”

Lydia’s reappearance comes at an ideal time for Kim, who needs someone to confide in over her mysterious new romance.

Recent episodes have revealed that Kim has a new man in her life for the first time since her husband Will passed away at Christmas.

kim, lydia dingle, emmerdale

ITV

Related: Emmerdale star set to return after 5 years for tragic Nate funeral storyline

This evening, Kim updates Lydia on how things are going and wonders when she should tell her stepdaughter Dawn what’s going on. Will Dawn accept Kim’s decision to start moving on with her life?

Lydia was last seen in the village in late March and departed off camera to look after her mother, who was unwell.

Notably, Lydia missed her own 50th birthday party in May – although had a welcome escape from the drama as Joe was pushed out of an upstairs window during the celebrations.

Fans will now be thrilled to see the beloved character back. Her comeback scenes air tonight at 7.30pm on ITV1, or the episode is streaming early now on ITVX and YouTube.

Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.

Read more Emmerdale spoilers on our dedicated homepage

Digital Spy’s first print magazine is here! Buy British Comedy Legends in newsagents or online, now priced at just £3.99.

Deals that might interest youShop Sky TV, broadband and mobile dealsShop Sky TV, broadband and mobile dealsStranger Things Hellfire Club Dice Dangle CharmStranger Things Hellfire Club Dice Dangle CharmCredit: PandoraShop Claudia Winkleman's Traitors looksShop Claudia Winkleman’s Traitors looksCredit: BBC / Studio LambertOn SaleRichard Osman: We Solve MurdersRichard Osman: We Solve MurdersCredit: VikingShop PS5 consolesShop PS5 consolesCredit: PlayStationShop Alison Hammond's outfitsShop Alison Hammond’s outfitsCredit: Mark BourdillonApple TV+ 7-day free trialApple TV+ 7-day free trialCredit: Apple TV+Sign up for Disney+Sign up for Disney+Credit: Chuck ZlotnickThe Street of Lies: An Official Coronation Street Interactive NovelThe Street of Lies: An Official Coronation Street Interactive NovelCredit: Octopus BooksDeath in Paradise: The Puzzle BookDeath in Paradise: The Puzzle BookCredit: BBC Books