ITV Emmerdale fans shocked as soap character 'returns from the dead'

Emmerdale fans were shocked as a well-known character returned from the dead.

It was Sam Dingle and Lydia Hart's big day today as they were finally set to tie the knot.

But as always in the Dales, there was trouble.

After going on a big night out with Mandy Dingle, the pair became separated - with Mandy waking up in a field full of cows.

(ITV/Emmerdale)

While Lydia managed to return to the Dingle house, Mandy was left in the middle of nowhere, with no money or transport.

In a moment of desperation, she flagged down a car begging it to stop.

But Mandy couldn't believe who was inside the car, as Vinny's dad Paul revealed himself.

However, viewers were more shocked that Paul, played by Reece Dinsdale, was back from the dead.

Longtime soap viewers will remember Reece as Joe McIntyre on Coronation Street - who died whilst trying to fake his own death in order to claim insurance money.

Taking to Twitter, viewers found the situation hilarious.

William said: "Somebody should tell Gail from #Corrie that Joe is alive and didn’t drown!"

Rene wrote: "It's that geezer that played Joe McIntyre from Corrie. Who is now playing Vinny's dad!"

Fabio tweeted: "SHUT THE FRONT DOOR ! Mandy’s baby daddy. Is Joe McIntyre aka Tina McIntyre corries DAD ! #emmerdale no boats in the hills this time."

And Dan said: "Its Joe McIntyre!"