Emmerdale airs scenes hinting that Matthew Wolfenden and Isabel Hodgins' characters will return to the village 'as soon as possible' after being 'embroiled in race row enquiry'

Matthew Wolfenden and Isabel Hodgins will be returning to Emmerdale it has been confirmed, as scenes aired on Friday stated their characters will back 'as soon as possible'.

The fictional couple, who play David Metcalfe and Victoria Sugden, haven't featured in the ITV soap since September, after jetting out to Portugal to visit her step-mum Diane.  

Now their characters are set to make their way back to the Dales after David's ex Meena Jutla was revealed to be a murderer, going on to flee their beloved village.

In a tense exchange with Leyla Harding (Roxy Shahidi), Jacob Gallagher (Joe-Warren Plant) asked what was going on after he arrived home from college to find police.

She said 'There's something you need to know. Leanna's death wasn't an accident. It was Meena. Meena killed Leanna. There were others as well - Andrea and Ben.'

Bawling his eyes out, he said: 'No way, she fell off the bridge. She can't have - how can she? Leanna would never have hurt anyone.'

Realising that Meena may indeed be guilty - he asked, 'Does dad know?' to which Eric Pollard (Chris Chittell) told his grandson: 'Theo's got an ear infection but they're getting here as soon as they can.'

Emmerdale fans have been calling for soap bosses to kill off the serial killer after the latest twist saw her confess her crimes to her sister.

A recent installment of the ITV show saw the nurse reel off the list of victims she's bumped off to a shocked Manpreet.

However, amid the the latest arch of the plot, viewers at home have begged producers to conclude the story, with one remarking: 'This storyline needs to end!'

Meena's reign of terror has seen her kill Andrea Tate, Ben Tucker, Nadine Butler and Leanna Cavanagh, while she unsuccessfully tried to silence Victoria by drowning her.

And in the latest sick turn for Meena, she also held her older sister captive and confessed to all her murders while mentally torturing the doctor.

Matthew Wolfenden (who plays David) and Isabel Hodgins (Victoria) had been absent following claims that 'the accent of a mixed-raced actress was mimicked' on set. 

The unnamed actress was upset following an inappropriate comment made towards her, before it was claimed her accent was mocked during the fall out.

According to The Sun, ITV bosses have accepted Matthew and Isabel's explanation that the alleged remark and mimicry were 'misheard', with no formal action to be taken against them.

A source revealed to the publication: 'ITV have conducted a rigorous enquiry into the allegations made, with witness statements taken. Bosses accepted Matthew and Isabel's explanation and agreed they can return to work.

'However, it has been made very clear that racism and bullying will not be tolerated by ITV. They have also offered the subject of their alleged remarks guidance about how to deal with the pair's return.'

MailOnline contacted an Emmerdale spokesperson for comment at the time.

Neither actor had been formally suspended by the producers of the Yorkshire-based soap, but they have not filmed scenes since September.

Back in November, it was claimed that Matthew and Isabel were facing allegations.

Both stars - who joined the soap in 2006 - have categorically denied claims of racism and have suggested the whole thing was a misunderstanding.

An Emmerdale spokesman told MailOnline at the time: 'While we would never comment on individual cases, Emmerdale has robust policies in place to deal with any allegations brought to our attention and take the appropriate steps.'

It was also reported that following the alleged incident, Matthew is said to have rowed with co-star Aaron Anthony, who plays Ellis Chapman in the Dales.

A source told The Sun: 'It is common knowledge on set that Matthew and Isabel are not filming at the moment following a complaint.

'This all came about after a conversation between them and another actress - during which the alleged remark was made.

'An accusation was also made that the actress's accent had been mimicked.'

The source went on to say that Matthew and Aaron subsequently had a 'tense conversation', adding that afterwards, Matthew and Isabel 'stopped filming.'

The insider added that 'Emotions have been running high' on the set since the incident, with cast unsure 'what to believe'.

Meanwhile, it's said that the female cast member at the centre of the race row was continuing to film 'as normal', though she wished she 'wasn't entangled in it.'

The publication reported that the 'issue was far from solved' and as two of Emmerdale's biggest stars their sudden absence from set caused major 'production issues'.