Stephen Rahman-Hughes has returned to ITV soap Emmerdale after 19 years away and has warned that there is a ‘big crime to solve’ while he is back in the village
Stephen Rahman-Hughes is returning to Emmerdale after 19 years
Emmerdale’s Stephen Rahman-Hughes has shared his joy at returning to the ITV soap after a 19-year hiatus, expressing the warm reception he’s received from the cast.

The actor, who made a comeback as DS Dasari in recent episodes, initially joined the show nearly two decades ago and is now on the case of Joe Tate being shoved out of a window at Home Farm.

Stephen took to Instagram to announce his return: “From tonight’s episode I’ll be appearing on #emmerdale in a role I am reprising from 19 years ago.

“My second TV job appearing with the incredible @glynisbarber for those that may remember.

“Sadly Glynis was killed off and couldn’t return but I was invited to come back. I had the most fun I’ve had on a set in a long time.

“So much welcome back warmth from a superb cast. There’s a big crime to solve so watch and see the drama unravel.”

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Glynis Barber, who played DS Dasari’s colleague Grace Barraclough and met a tragic end under the wheels of a lorry in 2007, interacted with Stephen’s post, asking: “I hope you laid some flowers for poor old Grace?”

Stephen replied warmly, confirming: “Yes I did say a few words. Grace is missed and remembered with much fondness.”

On Emmerdale, viewers have been gripped by DS Dasari’s probe into the attack on Joe, with every suspect seemingly having a cast-iron alibi.

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Yet, it has been revealed that Dawn is the true culprit, though her story has thus far managed to deceive Dasari, reports the Mirror.

This week, Emmerdale fans got the latest scoop on Dawn and her former flame Billy Fletcher following their involvement in Joe Tate’s accident.

With Joe’s awakening imminent, speculation is rife that Dawn may soon feel the heat again.

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Concurrently, there’s concern for Billy who, after threatening his ex-wife Dawn with custody demands for their children, might be steering towards a dark twist.

He has warned her, in the wake of Joe’s potential revelations: “They are not staying here in this toxic environment. If Joe doesn’t throw you to the wolves then I will… unless I get the kids.”

In exciting news this Tuesday, ITV dropped the bombshell that Coronation Street and Emmerdale will have an unprecedented crossover episode, as audiences can vote for their favourite characters to collide.

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Scheduled for January 2026, the one-hour special will mark the dawn of a new soap schedule for ITV and STV, with both soaps airing back-to-back in half-hour instalments starting at 8pm with Emmerdale, followed by Coronation Street at 8:30pm.

Soap bosses have teased that the upcoming crossover episode will leave a lasting impact on both shows, cleverly intertwining the Manchester and Yorkshire-based dramas in an “ingenious way”.

They’ve promised a self-contained storyline with “everlasting consequences for everyone involved”, hinting at significant shake-ups as some characters bid farewell and fresh faces make their entrance into the iconic soaps.