ADAM Thomas has returned to the Emmerdale set – seven years after leaving the soap.

The TV favourite played Adam Barton on the show for nine years before departing in 2018 when his character was forced to go on the run after covering for his mum Moira’s role in the murder of Emma Barton.

Adam took to Instagram today to confirm that he had made a surprise return to the Dales as he posed alongside the famous Emmerdale sign on the way into the village.

He put his thumbs up in the selfie before adding the cheeky caption: “I’m BACK!!!!”

His post left fans in a flurry as they were quick to assume he was returning as his character of Adam – but is all as it seems?

One fan wrote in the comments section: “I really hope this is true as you were my favorite Barton ever!!!!!!!”

Someone else added: “The boy is back! Robert, Aaron and Adam. I can’t wait!!”

Before a third commented: “I hope so. I hope Adam will be there to help Robert uncover what John is really like.”

However, it is understood that Adam has returned to the Leeds filming set for another project and won’t be making a comeback to his acting role.

Adam is currently still appearing as Donte Charles in BBC school based drama series, Waterloo Road, with no plans to leave the role.

He first rose to fame on the programme before his Emmerdale stint and later returned to the show when it was revived by BBC bosses.

As well as his time on Waterloo Road, his profile rose through reality TV stints on I’m A Celebrity and Strictly Come Dancing.

He has also turned his hand to presenting with stints hosting the jungle spin-off show as well as recently teaming up with his brother, Ryan Thomas, for ITV programme, 99 To Beat.

Off-screen, Adam has been facing a gruelling health battle for the past two years which he confessed has left him in the utmost pain.

Adam was diagnosed with rhematoid arthritis – a condition that effects the joints – in 2023 just before he took part in Strictly Come Dancing.

Earlier this year, he spoke about living with the condition during an appearance on Good Morning Britain.

He recalled: “I’ve been struggling with this autoimmune disease now for about two and a half years.

“It’s been tough. I’m not over-exaggerating when I say this but literally within two and a half years, every day I’ve been in pain.

“It’s difficult but now I feel like I’ve found – because I’ve been on so many different meds and trying so many different things, back and forth from doctor’s and hospitals.”

Adam revealed he is trying out a new “carnivore diet” and says it has helped.

He said: “I’ve noticed a huge difference, especially within the past couple of weeks.

“It’s given me a little bit of hope now.

“I can see light at the end of the tunnel. I’m feeling the best way I’ve felt for a while.”