Emmerdale spoilers: Sandy Thomas exit twist begins TONIGHT with Betty Eagleton bombshell
EMMERDALE fans are due to see the beginning of Sandy Thomas’s exit this evening, as a new love interest enters the village.
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It was announced last week that Freddie Jones will be leaving Emmerdale after playing Sandy for 12 years.
The story begins in tonight’s episode as Sandy meets a new village visitor.
Maisie (Wendy Craig) goes to visit Sandy at Mulberry Cottage as she gets off her tour bus.
Heading straight to his house as she arrives in Emmerdale, Sandy is taken aback as Maisie reveals she already knows all about him.
Emmerdale: Sandy is left with an enormous decision to make in this week's episodes
She explains that she is visiting on behalf of Betty Eagleton (Paula Tilbrook), and passes on some gifts that were sent from their mutual friend.
Betty was a resident of the village from 1994 to 2015, before she moved away to Australia and met Maisie.
Her exit came after Betty’s actress Paula decided to retire.
Throughout this week, viewers will witness Sandy developing a relationship with Maisie after the pair are swept up on a holiday romance.
Emmerdale: Sandy is smitten with his new companion
She told me it was an honour to be working with me
However, the pressure is quickly put on Sandy as Maisie begins gearing up to return to Australia.
Distraught at the notion of losing her new love interest so quickly, Maisie asks Sandy to accompany her.
Freddie spoke to Digital Spy about his final week’s scenes, saying: "It was a lovely bonus that suddenly popped up that Wendy was to play Maisie, because of course I have worked with her once before on an episode of The Royal.
“She is a charming, delightful creature.”
Emmerdale: The pair will be going out on dates and flaunting their new relationship
Emmerdale: The pair's new romp will only last a short while, as Sandy is left to make a decision
"She told me it was an honour to be working with me,” he explained. “I replied: 'No, it bloody isn't – I'm honoured to be working with you!'"
The 83-year-old BAFTA winning actress has also appeared in Not In Front Of The Children, and Mother Makes Three.
Wendy is set to appear in six episodes of Emmerdale, beginning tonight.
Emmerdale airs weekdays at 7pm on ITV.