Emmerdale viewers were left stunned, emotional, and overwhelmingly nostalgic this week as one of the soap’s most infamous villains made an unexpected return to television screens.

Meena Jutla — a character who left an indelible mark on the Yorkshire village — resurfaced in a surprise appearance that instantly reignited fan obsession and sparked urgent calls

for her dramatic comeback to the soap itself. The jaw-dropping moment unfolded during The Big Quiz: Coronation Street v Emmerdale, the annual ITV special that pits

the two iconic soaps against each other in a light-hearted battle of trivia and memories. What began as a harmless “blast from the past” round quickly escalated into one of the most talked-about soap moments of the year.

During the segment, the Emmerdale cast were challenged to identify a former character based on clues and archive footage. The answer, revealed to gasps and cheers, was Meena Jutla — the chilling serial killer who terrorised the village and was eventually sentenced to life imprisonment after a string of brutal murders. But it was what happened next that truly sent shockwaves through the studio.

To the astonishment of both the cast and viewers at home, actress Paige Sandhu walked onto the set, reuniting with her former co-stars for the first time since Meena’s explosive exit in 2022. The reaction was instant and electric. Social media lit up within seconds, as fans struggled to process the return of a character many believed they had seen the last of.

Presenter Stephen Mulhern was quick to acknowledge the impact Meena had made in such a relatively short time on the show. “Just 19 months, and Meena made such an impression,” he remarked. “What was it like to play her?”

Paige responded with warmth and gratitude, reflecting on a role that defined her career. “It was so fulfilling, so fun,” she said. “Working with these guys, it was amazing. That’s all I can say.” Her words carried a quiet emotional weight, suggesting just how meaningful the role — and the Emmerdale family — remains to her.

But the most poignant moment came from Lucy Pargeter, who plays Chas Dingle. Watching Meena’s most infamous scenes replayed on screen, Lucy made a bold and heartfelt demand that echoed the thoughts of thousands of fans. “She was absolutely amazing,” she declared. “Seeing the clips there — she needs to come back.”

That simple statement sent shockwaves through the studio and beyond.

Stephen Mulhern, sensing the excitement, pushed the conversation further with a darkly humorous question: “If Meena ever got out and returned to the village, who would she murder first?” Paige, without hesitation, delivered a chilling answer that delighted fans of the villain: “Manpreet.” The response, referencing Meena’s on-screen sister, was met with laughter, gasps, and renewed appreciation for the character’s twisted legacy.

Almost instantly, social media exploded. Viewers flocked to X (formerly Twitter), united in their disbelief and excitement. One fan wrote, “Meena! #EmmerdaleQuiz,” while another posted, “I miss Meena so much #TheBigQuiz #Emmerdale.” Others went even further, openly demanding her return. “Paige, come back — I’ve got a list for Meena,” one viewer joked, while another declared, “Meena was one of the best villains in Emmerdale history.”

The reaction highlighted just how deeply Meena Jutla resonated with audiences. In a soap renowned for its strong villains, Meena stood apart — chilling, manipulative, and terrifyingly charismatic. Her storyline pushed Emmerdale into darker territory, delivering some of its most gripping and controversial episodes in recent years.

Yet behind the shock and excitement, there was also a sense of sadness. Meena’s return reminded fans of what the show lost when the character was written out. For many, her life sentence felt like a premature ending to one of the soap’s most compelling antagonists. Lucy Pargeter’s on-air plea captured that sentiment perfectly, reflecting a collective desire to see Meena unleashed once more on the village.

Since leaving Emmerdale, Paige Sandhu has largely stepped away from the spotlight. The 33-year-old actress posts infrequently on social media, but when she does, she offers glimpses into a very different chapter of her life. Over the past year, she has shared updates on her fitness journey, showcasing a dramatic physical transformation achieved through disciplined training and dedication. Fans have praised her confidence and commitment, flooding her posts with admiration.

Professionally, Paige has also been moving forward with ambition and purpose. Away from soap land, she has secured a leading role in the upcoming feature film Lioness, where she portrays Princess Sophia Duleep Singh, Queen Victoria’s goddaughter. The role marks a significant step in her acting career, positioning her as a serious talent beyond the world of television soaps.

And yet, despite her success elsewhere, Meena Jutla continues to loom large — not just in the Emmerdale universe, but in the hearts of viewers who still crave the tension, danger, and unpredictability she brought to the screen.

Whether Meena will ever truly return to the village remains uncertain. But one thing is undeniable: her surprise appearance has reopened old wounds, reignited fan passion, and reminded everyone just how powerful a well-crafted villain can be.

For Emmerdale fans, it was thrilling. For the cast, it was emotional. And for those who remember Meena’s reign of terror all too vividly, it was a bittersweet reminder that some characters are simply too unforgettable to stay locked away forever.