By Joe Crutchley

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Emmerdale fans are speculating that a soap legend could be making a return to rescue April Windsor from the clutches of villain Ray Walters.

April, played by Amelia Flanagan, is currently embroiled in a dangerous drug dealing plot alongside Dylan Penders, portrayed by Fred Kettle. Initially, it was only Dylan who was working for the menacing dealer Ray, played by Joe Absolom.

However, it wasn’t long before April was also drawn into the shady business, taking on tasks for Ray after he decided she could be of use.

But when April lost a bag of drugs during a drop off after being threatened with a knife, Ray informed both her and Dylan that they were now in debt and had to continue working to pay it off.

What the teenagers don’t realise, however, is that the malicious Ray had orchestrated the whole thing, paying the man to frighten April. Now, Ray is manipulating both April and Dylan, leaving them with no choice but to work for him, reports the Daily Star.

This week, the storyline takes a dramatic twist when April leaves her younger brother Leo to deliver drugs. However, Leo ends up consuming some of the drugs that April dropped and is immediately rushed to hospital.

A distraught April tells Dylan that they need to escape their dealings with Ray – unaware that Ray has overheard everything and is determined to protect his empire.

Now, as the drama continues to unfold, fans are convinced that a former resident could be returning to bring down Ray and save April. On an Emmerdale Facebook fan page, one viewer commented: “Someone needs to get rid of Ray already, he’s horrible.”

Another fan speculated that April’s uncle Eli Dingle (Joseph Gilgun) might be making a comeback, writing: “I’d love it if Eli Dingle returned!” Another agreed: “He’d defo sort Ray out!”.

A third fan noted: “The actor who plays him is done with his show on Sky it’s called Brassic, so perfect timing for a return.” Another concurred: “That’s true!”.

Joseph Gilgun, who played the role of Eli Dingle on the soap, first appeared in 2006. As Marlon Dingle’s (Mark Charnock) younger brother, Eli quickly became a hit with viewers.

He was involved in several major storylines, including an affair with cousin Debbie (Charley Webb) and aiding Alice’s (Ursula Holden-Gill) suicide. However, after a robbery in 2010, Eli left the village.

Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 and ITVX at 7.30pm