In 2018, Tony begins to struggle when his daughter Dee Dee is diagnosed with autoimmune encephalitis. Unable to accept this, he leaves the village without informing Diane. Two months later, it is revealed that Tony has been staying with his former girlfriend Julie. Tony decides to return to the village after agreeing speaking with both Ste and Julie. He explains to Diane where he has been and she accepts his explanation. Diane understands that staying in the village proved to traumatic for Tony due to the painful memories connected to the loss of his daughter Grace. Upon his return Tony is thrilled to learn that Harry and Ste have are married. Although this is short-lived when he learns of Harry's secret past as a rent boy (and also of his torrid affair with James). Unable to deal with this he disowns Harry but later feels guilty after speaking with his mother. Tony admits to Ste how difficult he found it to accept Harry's sexuality and how it prevented Tony for being there for his son growing up. Tony and Harry repair their relationship and Harry agrees to let Tony stick around so that they can work on their relationship.