Exclusive: Emmerdale confirms Mack's return after Lawrence Robb's Strictly break

Emmerdale spoilers follow.

Emmerdale producer Sophie Roper has hinted that the show has big plans for Lawrence Robb next year following his time on Strictly Come Dancing.

The actor has taken a break from his role as Mackenzie Boyd on the ITV soap in order to compete on the popular ballroom competition.

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Last week, Mackenzie told his wife Charity Dingle that he was heading off to complete a farming course in Germany and wouldn't be back for a few months.

The scene was written at short notice after Strictly bosses confirmed that they wanted Lawrence to participate in this year's contest.

Speaking exclusively to Inside Soap about Lawrence's temporary departure, Sophie commented: "We're all thrilled for Lawrence – what a fantastic opportunity for him. He's loving his experience and we're all cheering for him and hoping he goes all the way to the end.

"Obviously, that does mean that Mack's on-screen presence won't be what it normally is. But he and Charity have had such an epic year. After going through so much, they're in a really great place in terms of their marriage.

"The audience will miss him for this short period of time, but afterwards we'll be wrestling him off that dance floor to get back into all things Emmerdale!"

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Sophie also revealed why Emmerdale bosses decided to keep Charity and Mack together after the challenges their marriage faced this year.

Charity feared her relationship was over when she came clean to Mack about her one-night stand with Ross Barton and her lie about baby Leyla’s true parentage. However, Mack opted to stand by Charity, seeing how much she needed him after her ordeal with evil Dr Todd.

Sophie added: "There was absolutely a world where you could have imagined their marriage collapsing as a result of it. But I think what's so brilliant about those two characters is they love each other despite their mistakes and betrayals.

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"Mack had a huge amount to overcome, but in them working to fight for their marriage, we got so much more drama out of it and it feels more truthful. It's been lovely to go on that journey with them as a couple.

"They've come out in a much stronger place for it, so I'm really excited to see what we do with them next."

Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 8pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.

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