Emmerdale's Lisa Riley talks about Zak Dingle memorial episode
Emmerdale enthusiasts have 'figured out' the enigmatic Dingle family member who will make a comeback for Zak's funeral.
Steve Halliwell, who portrayed Zak, tragically passed away last December at the age of 77. The actor had been playing the iconic Zak since 1994 and quickly became a beloved figure among viewers.
Following Zak's demise, the soap's creators have incorporated a death storyline. Zak has been referenced in recent months in the Dales, as his character is currently residing in Scotland.
However, the Dingles were recently informed that Zak's health was deteriorating, and last month, his son Cain (played by Jeff Hordley) left the village to visit him. Next week, Cain returns and is subsequently notified of Zak's passing.
The news devastates the family and the entire village, leading Cain and Sam (James Hooton) to journey to Scotland to bring Zak home one last time, reports Leeds Live.
Later in the week, the funeral takes place, and a long-absent relative makes a surprising appearance at the graveside, stunning the Dingle clan.
Several cast members have recently dropped hints about who viewers might expect to see on their screens. Lisa Riley, who portrays Mandy Dingle, gave a significant hint last week. She revealed to The Sun: "There is going to be someone coming from the past who will have repercussions for Mandy and Paddy and Vinnie especially moving forward."
Additionally, Jeff Hordley, who plays Cain, recently hinted: "It's someone you might know. They're not going to make things go smoothly for the Dingles.But now, fans have 'worked out' which Dingle is heading back - and it seems they are not too impressed.
Emmerdale enthusiasts have cracked the code on which Dingle will return, inciting less than thrilled reactions. A fan speculated on an Emmerdale Facebook group, writing: "Who do you think the person is that return for zaks funeral? Someone from the past apparently."
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The speculation has been swirling among fans in the comment section, with many guessing it might be Mandy's supposedly deceased mother Vera-Lynn. A viewer commented: "Mandy's mum maybe? She's meant to have died when Mandy was young but that may not be the case."
Another added their theory: "I was thinking this. It's a long-lost relative of the dingles. Someone who could have repercussions for Paddy Mandy and Vinny. I hope not, it would be a let down."
Meanwhile, another shared their reluctance: "I've been saying this for ages but I really don't want it to be her. Why was she mentioned randomly the other month? Hmmm."
The plot thickens with Caleb Dingle's backstory revealing his wife named Vera-Lynn, also known as Mandy's elusive mother. Although previously thought dead, a recent mention suggests Vera-Lynn, never depicted on-screen, might still be alive, especially after a nod post-Mandy's August wedding to Paddy (portrayed by Dominic Brunt).
Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 and ITVX at 7.30pm
