Episode 623 (2nd December 1980)

The villagers are in for a shock when Tom makes a sudden return, especially for the Merricks when Tom turns up at their caravan uninvited. Meanwhile, Padraic tells Donald that he wants him to take over his job on the Hotten Council of Churches.
==Plot==
Richard gives Joe some training on the forestry. Amos begins sorting the Christmas decorations at The Woolpack. The villagers get a shock when Tom Merrick turns up in The Woolpack. Amos snoops as to why he's back in the village and he coolly reveals he's paying Pat a visit. Seth makes fun of Sam's work for the church crib. He asks Sam if he wants to buy any pheasants for Christmas - all above board as gamekeeper's perks, but adds that Richard doesn't know about it. Richard is surprised Amos isn't making more of an effort in the pub for Christmas. Tom takes great pleasure in winding Amos up in The Woolpack, and Amos is offended as usual. Donald gets a visit from Father Padraic Flynn. He tells Donald he's retiring from the Hotten Council of Churches and wants him to take over the job. Pat, Jackie and Sandie get a shock when Tom walks into their caravan. The family do not seem pleased to see him.
==Cast==
===Main cast===
*Annie - Sheila Mercier
*Joe - Frazer Hines
*Sam - Toke Townley
*Jack - Clive Hornby
*Wilks - Arthur Pentelow
*Amos - Ronald Magill
*Richard Anstey - Carl Rigg
*Seth Armstrong - Stan Richards
*Rev. Donald Hinton - Hugh Manning
*Pat Merrick - Helen Weir
*Tom Merrick - Edward Peel
*Jackie Merrick - Ian Sharrock
*Sandie Merrick - Jane Hutcheson
*Andy Longthorn - David Clayforth
===Guest cast===
*Father Padraic Flynn - Joseph O'Conor
*Walter - Al Dixon (uncredited)
==Locations==
*The Woolpack - Public bar, corridor and backroom
*Beckindale Vicarage - Lounge
*St. Mary's Church - Interior
*Emmerdale Farm - Yard, Sam's shed and barn
*Unknown farmland
*Unknown woodland
*Unknown caravan site
*Unknown road
==Notes==
*First appearance of Tom Merrick since 21st November 1972 and first appearance of Edward Peel in the role.
*First appearance of Andy Longthorn since 29th May 1980.
Category:1980 episodes
Category:Emmerdale Farm episodes