Emmerdale enthusiasts believe they've pieced together the puzzle of how the show will break the news of Zak Dingle's demise. The beloved character, brought to life by the late Steve Halliwell, first graced our screens in 1994 and quickly became a fan favourite as the patriarch of the Dingle household.
Tragically, Steve Halliwell died at the age of 77 last year after a series of health struggles. His family announced at the time: "He went to sleep, peacefully with his loved ones around him."
They further remarked: "He was making us laugh to the end, the most amazing father and grandfather you could ever wish for, family was everything to him."
Steve was an integral fixture on the ITV soap until approximately last year. During that period, Zak's presence dwindled, with the character spending time in Scotland with other members of the Dingle family, reports the Daily Star.
Now, fans are speculating that Emmerdale will soon confirm Zak's passing, and some suspect that Belle, his on-screen daughter, might face yet another devastating ordeal upon hearing the news.
A Reddit user speculated: "Predictions for how they will announce Zak's death? " The same individual theorised: "I personally think Debbie will return to the village and come to Wishing Well Cottage and gather all the Dingle's and tell them about Zak."
Nonetheless, there's a consensus among viewers that Belle Dingle, portrayed by Eden Taylor-Droper and currently embroiled in a harrowing domestic abuse plot with her new spouse Tom (James Chase), could receive another crushing blow due to Zak's death.
And viewers speculate that this could be a pivotal moment leading to Zak's death announcement on the ITV soap.
One viewer speculated: "I think they'll probably find a way of linking Zak's death to the Belle/Tom abuse storyline - perhaps Tom will stop Belle from attending Zak's funeral. (I hope I'm wrong about this though!)."
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Another added their thoughts, writing: "Or more likely Tom refusing to let her visit Zak when he is sick, and Zak ends up dying.
"Belle snaps blaming Tom for her not being able to see her father one last time, only for Tom to turn it all back on her, making her think that it was all her fault for not being able to look after Zak while he was still in the village, that it was somehow her fault for him not getting better and dying."
Emmerdale airs weekdays at 7.30pm on ITV.
