![FROM ITV STRICT EMBARGO Print media - No Use Before Tuesday 20th January 2023 Online Media - No Use Before 0700hrs Tuesday 20th January 2023 Emmerdale - Ep 9588 Monday 30th January 2023 When Marshall [MAX FLETCHER] stands up for Arthur Thomas [ALFIE CLARKE] to a bully in front of Nicola and April there is a moment between the two boys as Arthur realises Marshall really is on his side. Picture contact - David.crook@itv.com This photograph is (C) ITV Plc and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. Once made available by ITV plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the transmission [TX] date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/SEI_212221469-be0a.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&zoom=1&resize=644%2C362)
Emmerdale fans would be forgiven for questioning the whereabouts of Arthur Thomas (Alfie Clarke) given his mum Laurel Thomas’ (Charlotte Bellamy) recent heart attack, after the character went ‘missing’.
However, what you might not have noticed is that the ITV soap subtly explained his disappearance on screen.
The teen has not been seen in the Dales for quite a while, making his last credited appearance in March, shortly after the death of Heath Hope.
In recent weeks, Laurel suffered a heart attack following an argument with husband Jai Sharma (Chris Bisson).
Arthur was notably absent from her bedside, and was not with the rest of his family when Laurel returned home after being discharged from hospital during Tuesday’s (July 9) episode.
It turns out the character is actually in Australia at the moment – something that was very briefly mentioned during the double episode on June 27.
Laurel was heard saying: ‘Arthur’s in Australia and there’s more than enough room in the inn. Gabby, you and Thomas are family – you’re always welcome. And, to be honest, I could do with another woman in the house.’
While Arthur’s exit did not feature on screen, Laurel and stepdaughter Gabby Thomas (Rosie Bentham) discussed the option for Gabby and her son Thomas to move back in with Laurel.
While further details about Arthur’s trip were not revealed, it is likely he is visiting his grandfather Doug Potts (Duncan Preston), who swapped the Dales for Down Under in 2020.
Recent weeks have seen a huge amount of drama for Laurel, whose marriage to Jai has hit the rocks.
She recently discovered that Jai has been harbouring the secret that upon learning of Amit Sharma’s true involvement in Rishi Sharma’s (Bhasker Patel) death, he pushed him down the stairs and tortured him in revenge, before forcing him to sign over all of his shares in the HOP to Jai and leaving for India.
In the aftermath of this, a vicious argument broke out between the couple, where Jai insulted Laurel’s late ex-husband Ashley Thomas (John Middleton), which led to her heart attack.
With Laurel now on the mend, will the couple manage to reconcile?
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
