Emmerdale star Amy Walsh explains why Tracy return is only short

 "A lot happens for Tracy in a small amount of time."

Amy Walsh has explained why Tracy's return is only short for Emmerdale's 50th anniversary.

The actress has taken a break from her maternity leave to film some explosive new scenes alongside fellow former cast members Danny Miller (aka Aaron Dingle) and Elizabeth Estensen (aka Diane Sugden).

In upcoming episodes, Nate has to figure out whether he's really ready for a new romance with Naomi when Tracy suddenly reappears in the village.

Speaking to and other media, Amy chatted about why the short return is preferable to a full-time comeback to the soap after welcoming daughter Bonnie May Smith with partner Toby-Alexander Smith last year.

"It was lovely to be invited back for the 50th," she told us. "When I was going on maternity leave Jane (Hudson), the executive producer, mentioned it was all happening around August and September and said if I wanted to be a part of it to let her know but when it came to it I just wasn't ready to come back full time.

"She very kindly offered to write me in and back out again so I didn't have to cut my maternity leave short but I still didn't miss out on the 50th celebrations so it was win-win!

"It's been really lovely seeing everyone again and being able to bring Bonnie into work to meet everyone as we're based in London now, so haven't been back before now."

The actress also spoke about some of the practical changes on set since she's been away on a day-to-day basis from Emmerdale.

"It's also lovely to be back with all the COVID restrictions finally lifted as it was very different the last time I was here," she said.

"So it's a brief return for now like I said but a lot happens for Tracy in a small amount of time. She has some news for Nate but when she sees him it’s not as easy to tell him as she may have thought. Her and Vanessa get to spend some quality time together too which has been a long time coming."

Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV, and streams on the ITV Hub.