Emmerdale has aired the surprise return of 'murdered' Callum following his violent assault last week.

As fans of the ITV soap will know, teenager April Windsor (Amelia Flanagan) was coerced into sex work by Ray Walters (Joe Absolom) and his controlling mum Celia Daniels (Angela Griffiths).

When April met up with creepy punter Callum, she tried to escape the situation by smacking him around the head with a vodka bottle, leaving him unconscious. She is now convinced that Callum is dead as Ray continues to manipulate the schoolgirl.

During Wednesday's Emmerdale instalment (November 5), Ray played on her guilt and pretended to show concern, telling April that he "needs someone up in Newcastle" and that it would be good for her to get away and "clear her head".

The villain reassured April she would only be dealing drugs as he convinced her that moving away from the village was a good idea.

April started to say her goodbyes to her family, pretending she was taking a much-needed break to visit some friends in Newcastle, and might even look into the local university.

In a heartbreaking moment, April said an emotional farewell to her brother Leo Goskirk (Harvey Rogerson) and confessed she had done "something bad".

Elsewhere, Ray appeared in his car with Callum, who is very much alive, by his side, and refused him any medical help for his head injury.

In a chilling exchange, Ray told Callum, "April won't be causing any more trouble", confirming he knew his fate all along.

As April prepares to exit the village, Emmerdale fans were left underwhelmed by Callum's fate as they predicted he was alive all along.

Taking to Reddit, one fan wrote: "Of course he (Callum?) isn't dead. At least when this all comes out, April won't be sent down for killing someone, but when will this manipulation end!?"

A second stated: "Not like nobody could see that coming", while a third chimed in: "It was a pretty predictable plot twist."

"It was so predictable that he would still be alive", added another.

On X, another added: "Non-surprise of the year. Callum isn't actually dead. Yawn! #emmerdale."

"I wasn't sold that April killed Callum & there's the creep in Ray's car with that stupid bandage around his head. # Emmerdale", added one person.

"Oh look, there's a dead man, Callum...#Emmerdale", added another, followed by laughing emojis.

Will April leave the village for Newcastle? Emmerdale fans will have to wait and see.

Emmerdale fans 'fuming' as villain returns from the dead as April Windsor 'exits' - Daily Star