ITV Emmerdale legend's exit 'sealed' 24 years after debut in heartbreaking twist

An Emmerdale legend could be bidding farewell to the village.

The character, portrayed by Jeff Hordley, first graced our screens in 2000 and quickly became a beloved figure on the soap. Over the years, he has been embroiled in numerous major storylines, from family feuds to murder, ensuring his time in the Dales has been anything but dull.

Currently, tensions are high as Cain clashes with partner Moira (Natalie J. Robb) over the drama involving his nephew Samson Dingle (Sam Hall) and her son Matty Barton (Ash Palmisciano).

After being coerced by troublemaker Josh (Osian Morgan), Samson falsely accused Matty of stabbing him, leading to a prison sentence. Despite Samson eventually confessing and ending up behind bars, relations between Moira and Cain remain strained.

Additionally, Cain's half-sister Belle (Eden Taylor Draper) has been enduring a difficult period, having suffered abuse at the hands of her husband Tom King (James Chase).

However, she recently ended their marriage and travelled to Scotland to visit her father Zak Dingle, played by the late Steve Halliwell, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Emmerdale enthusiasts are now bracing themselves for the possibility that Cain might be the next character to exit the village, following a rough few months.

On an Emmerdale Facebook fan page, a viewer speculated: "What if.... Cain storms off to Zac and Debbie's and nurses Zac whilst he dies and then stays to run the business up there."

The speculation sparked a flurry of responses in the comments section, with another fan suggesting: "Yeah that would be one way of writing him for a little while, don't want him to go to prison again as they have done this already."

Another chimed in: "I think he's leaving for a bit but he usually comes back after a rest." Yet another declared emphatically: "I hope not! no there would be no point in Emmerdale without Cain."

Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 and ITVX at 7.30pm