fans are abuzz with speculation that Zak Dingle may have fathered a secret love child with another iconic character from the village, and they believe this mysterious offspring is already among them.
The much-loved character of Zak was recently written out of the soap following the real-life passing of actor Steve Halliwell in December last year at the age of 77.
This week, the residents of the fictional village are mourning his on-screen death, with his funeral being a focal point of recent episodes. Zak's absence had been explained by his stay in Scotland with his granddaughter Debbie, portrayed by Charley Webb.
But the latest storyline has confirmed the character's demise, with Moira (Natalie J. Robb) breaking the sad news to her on-screen husband Cain (Jeff Hordley) during Monday's episode (October 14).
Cain took on the sombre task of informing other villagers, leading to poignant scenes underscored by piano music as he relayed the news to Charity (Emma Atkins), Chas (Lucy Pargeter), Marlon (Mark Charnock), and Mandy (Lisa Riley), reports .
Kim Tate, played by Claire King, was particularly affected by Zak's death, which brought her to tears and even paused her ongoing conflict with estranged husband Will Taylor (Dean Andrews). In a heartfelt moment, she reminisced, "Zak knew exactly what was important in life. Family, they came first and they came last. He put family above anything."
Speculation is mounting among Emmerdale fans who are now suggesting that Kim and Zak may share a secret past connection, possibly even a love child. This theory has been sparked by fan chatter on social media platforms.
One follower on an Emmerdale Facebook fan page queried: "Why is Kim so upset about the passing of Zak?" To which someone responded: "Because Zac had time for Kim they understood each other."
The intrigue deepened as another viewer shared their hunch of a covert offspring: "What if all along Kim had a secret child with Zak that he knew nothing about. Kim gave the kid up for adoption and she arrives in the village at Christmas...."
This idea has garnered some backers, with yet another fan declaring: "Now this would be a twist!" And the plot thickens as Paula Lane's character Ella Forster was pointed out as a possible hidden progeny.
Overlaying a web of intrigue, one commenter speculated: "I think the secret child could be Ella," prompting concurrence from another individual who noted: "Could be, we don't actually know that much about her past (apart from her being a child killer)."
Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 and ITVX at 7.30pm
You may also like
India Calls for US to Cooperate With Canada's Probe Into Nijjar's Killing
ABY: The easiest way to get Ayushman card, you will need only these documents
How to Get Rid of Head Pimples: Effective Tips and Remedies
'Family man' orders 20 beers then ruins stranger's Christmas with act of 'stupidity'
IPL 2025: Mumbai Indians Appoint Paras Mhambrey As Bowling Coach
"Priority will be to bridge gap which has come in last 10 years": J-K Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary
XIM University Invites Applications For MBA, Executive MBA Programmes
'Full confidence in ... ': UK reacts to Canada's charge against India in Nijjar case
1998 Brij Bihari Prasad murder case: SC rejects Munna Shukla plea seeking time to surrender
Fire safety: What should be done immediately in case of fire in house or shop, so that your life can be saved?
McFly vs Busted tour Ticketmaster chaos - 'More stressful than trying to get Taylor Swift tickets'
Centre Extends Tenure of Registrar General, Appoints New Special Secretary for Internal Security
"BJP has promised due respect to Nishad party," says Sanjay Nishad
Elections: Election Commission has given this weapon to common people, action will be taken in 90 minutes
Saka, Odegaard, Havertz, Martinelli - Arsenal injury news and return dates for Bournemouth
Meghan Markle risks being a 'hypocrite' with latest move - but must 'resist temptation'
SC reserves verdict on plea against NCLAT order transferring Jet Airways to winning bidder
Cricket Australia makes Ashes announcement as England discover opening venue
PMVY: Do you know what benefits are available after joining PM Vishwakarma Yojana? Know here
Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: Mahayuti Govt Disburses Another Instalment Of 'Ladki Behan' Scheme, Leaving Opposition Scrambling