Emmerdale viewers were left open-mouthed on Monday night after a 'rare sighting' of child star Malachi McKenzie, who plays Evan Fletcher. The youngster, who was born on the ITV soap in 2023, appeared noticeably older, prompting fans to gasp 'he has grown up so fast!'.
In the episode, parents Billy Fletcher (Jay Kontzle) and ex-wife Dawn (Olivia Bromley) discussed their son's health. Evan was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, a type of blood cancer, and has undergone chemotherapy. The former couple agreed to share the success of his treatment with their family.
Evan's step-grandmother Kim Tate (Claire King) told Dawn: 'I heard the good news yesterday. I can't imagine what it felt like after everything you have been through.' Dawn replied: 'What we've all been through. But yeah, I feel like I can enjoy him being a normal toddler, you know? Not a toddler going through Leukaemia care.'
Fans took to social media to express their shock. One wrote: 'I didn’t even know Evan could walk yet, he was a babe in arms last time we saw him.' Another commented: 'Wow we have an actual Evan sighting in today's Emmerdale they have remembered that Dawn has another son.'
Meanwhile, it has been revealed that actress Caroline Harker is set to return to Emmerdale with a villainous new storyline. Harker, known for roles in A Touch of Frost and Midsomer Murders, will revive her role as Doctor Todd. She will appear as the boss to trainee doctor Jacob Sugden (Joe Warren Plant), subjecting him to workplace bullying and relentless criticism in episodes airing later this month.
