Emmerdale’s Danny Miller made a shocking and dramatic return to his role as Aaron Dingle in the ITV soap on Monday, two years after quitting the show.
The actor, 32, who has played the mechanic on and off since 2008, revealed his relief at now being able to talk about the return and admitted bosses even gave him a code name in order to keep the comeback a secret.
Telling The Mirror: ‘Everyone wanted to keep it a secret and I loved this idea, so I was given two code names on the scripts – Albert Jones which I am guessing they got from my wife’s maiden name and son, and then Wylie Smith is the other alias as he starts at Wylie Farm’.
Since leaving the show Danny appeared in 2021’s I’m A Celeb, where he was crowned King Of The Jungle, but admitted to finding it ‘very difficult’ landing a juicy acting role.
However the stars eventually ‘aligned’ when the soap invited him back, shortly after wife Steph, with whom he shares son Albert, two, found out she was pregnant with their daughter Edith, two months, and after spending more than a year as a stay-at-home dad.
Back with a bang: Emmerdale ‘s Danny Miller, 32, made a shocking and dramatic return to his role as Aaron Dingle in the ITV soap on Monday, two years after quitting the show
Dramatic: The actor who has played the mechanic on and off since 2008, revealed his relief at now being able to talk about the return and admitted bosses even gave him a code name in order to keep the comeback a secret
He candidly told the publication: ‘It was like a gap year that ran into two. I feel so lucky to have been able to do this. But it is tough being an actor and it’s very difficult to find lead roles’.
‘There are exceptions like Michelle Keegan, Katherine Kelly and Suranne Jones but you can struggle once outside a soap and for many actors, there is no light at the end of the tunnel’.
Emmerdale viewers were finally relieved of their suspense as the man held hostage in an abandoned farmhouse was revealed during Monday’s episode – but many were left disappointed.
Last week, viewers learned that Cain (Jeff Hordley) and Caleb (William Ash) had locked someone up in an abandoned farmhouse after taking a mysterious trip.
Just seconds into the instalment, it emerged actor Danny had reprised his role as Aaron Dingle after being snatched from Italy for his own protection.
The character seen sitting in a dark room with his hands bound together with rope and his hood up over his head, having been brought back to Yorkshire after picking a fight with the mafia while he was away – and he’s back home for good.
Cain and Caleb had previously left the village in a hurry and claimed they were working on a car consignment deal in Holland, but Moira Dingle (Natalie J. Robb) appeared unconvinced by the story.
And in Friday’s episode, she further suspected Cain was lying when Nate Robinson (Jurell Carter) revealed he knew nothing about the deal.
Champion! Since leaving the show Danny appeared in 2021’s I’m A Celeb (pictured) where he was crowned King Of The Jungle, but admitted to finding it ‘very difficult’ landing a juicy acting role
Family:However the stars eventually ‘aligned’ when the soap invited him back, shortly after wife Steph, with whom he shares son Albert, two, found out she was pregnant with their daughter Edith, two months , and after spending more than a year as a stay-at-home dad (pictured as a family)
The drama-packed show saw Moira discover who her husband Cain and his half-brother Caleb had locked in the abandoned farmhouse, with viewers finding out this week.
Aaron was last seen on the soap a year ago when he left the village after his younger sister Liv was killed in a storm.
His mother Chas Dingle (Lucy Pargeter) did not support her grieving son at the time as she was busy cheating on Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt) with businessman Al Chapman.
Despite Aaron needing the support of his mum, she sent him packing off to Italy with his boyfriend Marco.
But it seems there is still more to the tale, with Aaron raging and tied up in the barn, and Moira demanding answers from Cain.
Aaron’s return divided viewer opinion, with some soap fans baffled by what was unfolding on their screens while others were delighted to see him.
Taking to Twitter, someone wrote: ‘Can someone explain what’s going on with Aaron?? Remember him leaving the village so why’s he linked to gangsters in Italy and whys Cain kidnapped him …very confused tonight??????? Please someone explain???’
Someone else asked: ‘When did Aaron get involved with the Italian mafia?’
Another viewer posted: ‘I’m not sure what this twist in #Emmerdale is for? Why is Aaron back? Why is he locked away like a prisoner?’
While someone else exclaimed: ‘Aaron being back with a pathetic story what a let down Hopefully it’s a temporary stop.’
Another viewer commented: ‘Big disappointed it’s Aaron, we are in for lots of scenes with him crying now.’
He’s back: Emmerdale viewers were finally relieved of their suspense as the man held hostage in an abandoned farmhouse was revealed as Aaron
Prisoner: Last week, viewers learned that Cain (Jeff Hordley, left) and Caleb (William Ash) had locked someone up in an abandoned farmhouse after taking a mysterious trip
Someone else wrote: ‘I’m glad Aaron is back but it’s a ridiculous storyline #Emmerdale,’ while another viewer tweeted: ‘Give out all yee like about the storyline – I’m just delighted to have Aaron back, and of course it means more Cain scenes.
One other person shared: ‘Never been more happy, the boy is BACK @DannyBMiller. Welcome home Aaron back where you belong #emmerdale.’
Aaron made a brief return to Emmerdale for the 50th anniversary before making a quick exit.
But former I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! winner Danny has been in talks with soap bosses to make a comeback since January this year.
Danny told The Sun: ‘Aaron’s a lot more mature now, and that’s obviously myself too as an actor and a person.
‘When Jane [Hudson] and Laura [Shaw] had pitched the idea for me to come back I was over the moon.
‘I was so excited but I had to keep it quiet from the beginning of the year. It’s been months of not being able to tell people.
‘I’ve relocated and moved my family here and some of my closest friends and family don’t know so it’s been hard to do. But with the respect and the appreciation to the show, I wanted to keep that secret.’
Emmerdale airs weekdays at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
