Stage favourites returned (4)
I believe the answer is:
step
'stage' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'favourites returned' is the wordplay.
'favourites' becomes 'pets' ('pet' can be a synonym of 'favourite').
'returned' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
'pets' written backwards gives 'STEP'.
(Other definitions for step that I've seen before include "Manner of walking" , "little walk?" , "'Stage, rung (4)'" , "Set foot down on pest" , "short distance" .)