Emmerdale fans are abuzz with anticipation, sensing that Debbie Dingle might be returning to the village after a noticeable four-year break, as they picked up on a significant hint dropped on social media.

Charley Webb, who graced the popular ITV soap as Debbie from 2002 until her exit in 2021, has recently been spotted reuniting with her former Emmerdale co-stars, fuelling rumours of a comeback for her beloved character.

The 37-year-old actress took to Instagram to post a photo of herself with past co-stars, including Natalie J Robb (Moira Dingle), Charlotte Bellamy (Laurel Thomas), Katie Hill (Sarah Sugden), Zoe Henry (Rhona Goskirk), Eden Taylor-Draper (Belle Dingle), and Katherine Dow Blyton (Harriet Finch), stirring excitement among the fan base.

Another snap shared features her on-screen dad, Jeff Hordley (Cain Dingle), who's seen gleefully posing for a shot with a dog, according to The Sun.

Such social media shares have generated a wave of enthusiasm from viewers, who have been vocal about their desire for Charley's return to Emmerdale, reports

Instagram comments flooded in from eager fans, with one urging: "Need you back in 'The Dales'."

Another chimed in adding sentiment: "Aww wish you could come back to the Dales. Loved seeing Cain (Jeff) in ya pics."

Debbie, portrayed as the offspring of iconic soap pair Cain and Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins), is ostensibly still residing in Scotland.

Yet, questions arose last year when she was noticeably absent from Zak Dingle's (Steve Halliwell) funeral, despite being the one to notify the family of his demise.

Throughout her time on the show, Debbie was central to several pivotal plotlines.

Charley Webb's character Debbie Dingle had a tumultuous time in the village, becoming a mum at 15 and having a catastrophic romance with triple murderer Cameron Murray.

She also tied the knot with Pete Barton, but had an illicit affair with his brother Ross, and fell prey to con artist Joe Tate's schemes.

Following a 19-year run, her departure from the show was announced in December 2021, with a source stating: "Charley is closing the door on Emmerdale for good and won't be going back."

Emmerdale airs weekdays at 7:30pm on ITV and ITVX