Emmerdale returning Dingle's identity for Zak’s funeral 'exposed' - but fans divided

Emmerdale viewers believe they've figured out the mystery Dingle family member who will be returning for Zak's funeral.

Steve Halliwell, who portrayed Zak since 1994, sadly passed away last December at the age of 77, leaving fans and fellow cast members mourning the loss of the soap legend.In light of Zak's passing, the show's writers have incorporated a death storyline. Zak has been referenced in recent episodes as living in Scotland.

However, the Dingles were recently informed that Zak's health was deteriorating. Last month, his son Cain (played by Jeff Hordley) left the village to visit him. Next week, Cain returns and is subsequently told about Zak's death, reports Leeds Live.

The news sends shockwaves through the family and the village, leading Cain and Sam (James Hooton) to travel to Scotland to bring Zak home one last time. Later in the week, a surprise appearance from a long-lost relative at the funeral leaves the Dingle family stunned.

Several cast members have been dropping hints about who might make an unexpected return. Lisa Riley, who portrays Mandy Dingle, gave a significant hint when she told 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."

Jeff Hordley, who plays Cain, also 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 devotees seem to have 'figured out' which Dingle will be returning, prompting less than thrilled reactions. An Emmerdale enthusiast posted on the show's Facebook fan page: "Who do you think the person is that return for zaks funeral? Someone from the past apparently."

The comments were abuzz with speculation, and a number of fans posited it could be Vera-Lynn, Mandy's thought-to-be-deceased mother. A viewer speculated: "Mandy's mum maybe? She's meant to have died when Mandy was young but that may not be the case."

Another added their suspicion: "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 chimed in: "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."

Plot reveals confirmed that Caleb Dingle had a wife named Vera-Lynn, Mandy's mother. While Vera-Lynn has never actually appeared on the show, past storylines led viewers to believe she had died during Mandy's childhood. However, following Mandy's wedding to Paddy (Dominic Brunt) that took place in August, a mention of Vera-Lynn sparked theories among the audience that she might in fact be alive.

Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 and ITVX at 7.30pm