Sally Dexter didn't watch much 'Emmerdale' during her break from the soap because she wanted to be "genuinely surprised" upon her return.
Sally Dexter
The 60-year-old actress will reprise her role as Faith Dingle next week, and while she is delighted to be back in the Dales, she didn't tune into the soap on a daily basis and joked she had her "sources" informing her of the goings on with her Dingle family.
She said: "It's just like walking into a family home. A rather dysfunctional one!
"I knew I was coming back a little while ago and in one way I thought it's quite good not to know and be genuinely surprised."
Faith departed the village in October 2019 after she dramatically fell out with son Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) when he discovered she had covered up the fact he had a secret son, who turned out to be Dales newcomer Nate Robinson (Jurell Carter).
And upon the star's return to filming, she has been impressed by the coronavirus restrictions put in place by the soap's producers.
She said: "It's quite impressive what they've done with all the COVID restrictions.
"They've worked out an extraordinary rota and I'm full of respect for what they've done.
"The canteen is still running - I have no complaints.
"It's great to see everybody, but the frustration of not being able to rush up and give everybody a big hug is extraordinary. It's difficult."
Sally has starred in several plays and musicals during her time away from the programme, and she even filmed a project in Mauritius after the shooting location was moved from Loughborough.
Speaking to BANG Showbiz and other media, she added: "I've done some plays, and a couple of musicals, which has been nice.
"I did some filming, which was actually supposed to be in Loughborough, but I ended up going to Mauritius.
"I couldn't believe it. I'm still slightly in shock.
"I've been doing a lot of yoga just to feel good.
"And I've spent an awful lot of time on the phone, on WhatsApp.
"I've had an easier time than many people I think."
Tagged in Jeff Hordley