Temple soon returned to the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company, creating the role of Strephon in "Iolanthe" (1882–84), the only Savoy Opera in which he was cast as the romantic hero. During the run of "Iolanthe", Temple was also co-director of the Crystal Palace opera season with Faulkner Leigh and August Manns, presenting "Maritana", "Faust" and "Il Barbiere di Siviglia". Next, Temple created the role of Arac in Gilbert and Sullivan's "Princess Ida" (1884) and revisited the role of Sir Marmaduke in the first revival of "The Sorcerer" (1884–85). He then created his most celebrated role, the Mikado of Japan in "The Mikado" (1885–87), whom, according to Jessie Bond, he played as "suave and oily". In 1887 he created the part of Sir Roderic Murgatroyd in "Ruddigore" (1887). After revivals of "Pinafore", "Pirates" and "Mikado", in which he repeated his original roles, Temple played Sergeant Meryll in "The Yeomen of the Guard" (1888–89), the final role he would create for Gilbert and Sullivan. During these years, between these Savoy pieces, he played several other opera roles in London, including the title role in "Rigoletto".