Emmerdale fans have raised concerns over a 'missing' character after Monday's episode.
Followers of the beloved soap will remember the Christmas episodes where Belle Dingle experienced an unexpected joy, as her presumed deceased pet dog Piper made a surprising comeback.
Belle had been left uncertain about Piper’s fate, believing the pooch to be lost forever due to misdeeds by her villainous ex-husband Tom King.
Standing by Piper’s supposed final resting place, a puzzled Belle confessed to Vinny Dingle that she hadn’t actually seen Piper's remains.
With suspicions that the malevolent Tom could have fabricated the death, Belle persuaded Vinny to help her exhume the grave, reports Leeds Live.
Upon digging up what was thought to be Piper's grave, Belle and Vinny were shocked to find it empty.
A beautiful reunion unfolded on Christmas Day when Belle, while at her father's graveside, was elated to see Piper approaching, alive and well, rescued by Vinny and Gabby Thomas in what seemed like a yuletide miracle.
Taking to social media on Monday, one individual queried: "How come we never see piper anymore, she hasn't been seen a screen since Christmas Day, not unless I've missed something, she a lovely little dog should see more of her!"
Another fan responded, suggesting: "We only really seen a lot of piper coz she was a crucial part of the Tom saga.. no storyline to include her just now".
And another fan expressed surprise, noting: "How strange I had completely forgot about her till she was just mentioned that is weird she hasn't been in it tho."
Soap fans have been sharing their thoughts, with one saying: "I was thinking the same", another commenting: "We haven't really seen much of Belle, Piper is small enough and quiet enough to go to work with Belle though x" and yet another adding: "Miss this dog."
These reactions come as Eden Taylor-Draper, 27, who portrays Belle in Emmerdale, described Piper's comeback as 'a Christmas miracle' in a chat with the press last year.
Eden revealed that she was initially unaware of the plans for Piper's significant return.
Reflecting on the storyline, she shared: "It was really nice. Especially it being Christmas. I think it was just lovely and it felt like a real treat."
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX, with an hour-long episode on Thursdays.
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