Emmerdale Zak Dingle bombshell to ‘rock funeral’ as fans predict dark paternity twist
Emmerdale fans are convinced that a DNA bombshell is set to rock the Dales - and it will all be down to Zak Dingle, who is set to be killed off in upcoming scenes
Emmerdale buffs are convinced Belle Dingle is set for a fresh hell on the ITV soap with a DNA bombshell poised to send shockwaves through the village.
Belle’s been copping it from her nasty hubby Tom King, but now viewers are bracing themselves for another gut-punch as Belle is tipped to find out her old man Zak Dingle has kicked the bucket, following actor Steve Halliwell’s real-life death last year.
Sharp-eyed fans are dead sure that Tom’s going to keep Belle away from Zak’s send-off when the grim news breaks.
But some armchair detectives reckon there’s an even juicier plot brewing they’re betting Belle will get a belter of a revelation that Zak wasn’t her flesh and blood, or at least that Tom will try to twist her melon into believing it.
Chinwagging on X, one fan speculated: “What’s the odds that Zak’s death is coming and Tom will stop Belle from going to the funeral up in Scotland…?” Another chimed in: “I feel like it’ll either be revealed he’s not her real dad at the funeral somehow or Tom will convince her he’s not biologically related to her after he dies (gaslighting basically).”
Then another fan threw in their two pence: “Oh yea I can definitely see Tom faking a birth certificate or something with another man’s name on. But who!!”
An Emmerdale follower further stated, “But then with Belle’s looks, I think Lisa must have pulled better than Zak AND she’s not dark haired like the rest of the Dingles..”
Emmerdale’s Zak Dingle star Steve Halliwell passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 77 in December 2023 following numerous health battles, his family confirmed, adding, “He was making us laugh to the end, the most amazing father and grandfather you could ever wish for, family was everything to him.”
In response to the news, Steve’s fellow actors rushed to pay their respects. James Hooton, beloved for his long-standing role as Sam Dingle and Steve’s on-screen son, posted, “Steve Halliwell was the first person I met when I walked through the door into the Emmerdale studios and we remained friends until the end.”
Adding to the tributes, Danny Miller, who plays Aaron Dingle, said: “From day one he took me under his wing and helped guide me on and off set. We’ll miss you mate. On and off set. Rest well Steve and leave one in the pump for me.”