Emmerdale viewers were unanimous in their reaction on Monday evening as Meena Jutla made a dramatic television comeback.

The Big Quiz: Coronation Street v Emmerdale broadcast its yearly special on Monday, featuring a segment where the Emmerdale cast attempted to identify a former character through clues in a “blast from the past” round.

After correctly identifying Meena Jutla, actress Paige Sandhu surprised everyone by walking into the studio to reunite with her previous colleagues.

Soap enthusiasts will recall that Meena is currently imprisoned for life following multiple village killings in Emmerdale, last appearing in 2022 when she was carted off to jail.

Presenter Stephen Mulhern, 48, remarked: “Listen, just 19 months and Meena made such an impression what was it like to play her?” Paige responded: “It was so fulfilling, so fun, I mean working with these guys it was amazing that’s all I can say!”

Lucy Pargeter, who portrays Chas Dingle, was eager to declare: “She was absolutely amazing, seeing the clips there, she needs to come back!”.

Stephen then enquired: “If she ever did get out and return to the village who would she murder first?” to which Paige promptly answered: “Manpreet!” referring to Meena’s sister.

Flocking to Twitter, now X, fans were swift to express their enthusiasm and make identical pleas.

One viewer exclaimed: “MEENA! ! ! ! ! #Emmerdale #bigsoapquiz”, whilst another posted: “I miss Meena #TheBigQuiz #Emmerdale” and a third quipped: “paige come back i have a list for meena #emmerdale.”

Meanwhile, another soap fan remarked: “Meena was one of the best villains in #emmerdale history! ! #TheBigQuiz”, while a different user posted: “Meena mention! #TheBigQuiz #TheBigSoapQuiz #Emmerdale” and yet another added: “Meena on The Big quiz! ! #emmerdale” accompanied by celebratory emojis.

Since her departure from Emmerdale, the 33 year old actress seldom posts on Instagram. However, when she does, she provides her 63K followers with glimpses into her fitness transformation.

Flocking to Twitter, now X, fans were swift to express their enthusiasm and make identical pleas (Image: ITV)

Last year, Paige shared her fitness journey on social media, revealing that she has been adhering to a strict workout regimen that has helped her feel more toned and confident. In the Instagram post, she showcased her sculpted abs in athletic wear, much to the admiration of her fans.

In other news, away from Emmerdale, Paige has secured a leading role in the forthcoming feature film Lioness. In this film, Paige portrays Princess Sophia Duleep Singh, Queen Victoria’s goddaughter.

The film draws inspiration from the research of historian Peter Bance, who wrote extensively about the princess.

Not only was she Queen Victoria’s goddaughter, but she was also the Princess of Punjab and granddaughter of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, playing a pivotal role in the UK’s suffragette movement.

Upon announcing her new role on Instagram, Paige expressed: “I’m so excited for the world to learn about Sophia, her family and the life she lived.”

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX, with an hour-long episode on Thursdays.