Emmerdale Dingle icon ‘to return’ 31 years after first episode and Vinny will be floored

Emmerdale fans are convinced that a soap icon could be returning to the Dales 31 years after their debut, and it’s bad news for Vinny Dingle.

Soap fans will recall that Vinny is the offspring of Tina Dingle and Paul Ashdale, though he was brought up by Tina’s cousin Mandy, whom he considers his mum.

Vinny’s biological mother, Tina, made her first appearance in the village back in 1994. Tina is most remembered for her explosive storyline in 1995, where she plotted to marry Luke McAllister, alleging she was carrying his baby.

However, Luke later discovered that both the relationship and the pregnancy were part of a revenge plot, culminating in his d.e.a.t.h in a van accident. Tina subsequently bid farewell to the Dales in 1996.

The notorious troublemaker reappeared in the village in October 2024 to attend the funeral of her father Zak, who tragically passed away off-screen and was transported from Scotland back to the village, reports Leicestershire Live.

The funeral didn’t go as smoothly as expected, with Tina hurling insults at the family, overshadowing Zak’s memorial service. She also audaciously attempted to stake a claim on the family home.

Eventually, the police escorted her away, but she swiftly returned to disclose that she was Vinny’s biological mother.

Last year, Vinny kindled a romance with Gabby Thomas, and the couple eventually moved in together.

However, Vinny soon harboured doubts about starting a family as he grappled with caring for Gabby’s son, Thomas, in the wake of his own father’s past abuse.

Mandy gave her son a heartening pep talk, assuring him that he was nothing like his dad and had the makings of a fantastic father.

Vinny found solace in Gabby as they talked through his concerns, leading to an impromptu proposal from Vinny – to which Gabby joyfully accepted. However, Emmerdale fans are now speculating that this happiness might be short-lived.

After Tina’s explosive comeback last year, a number of viewers are suspecting that she might shake things up in the village once more.

One fan speculated on Reddit: “Do you think Tina will ever return? I’m not fussed about having her back, but I’d like to know whether she was telling the truth about having other children.

“Maybe Vinny and Gabby will plan on having a baby and Tina will dump his half-siblings on him… Maybe Vinny will want to adopt them, like Seb did on Corrie.”

Another chimed in: “I’d hope so because all she really did was pop up, expose Mandy as an idiot, undermine Vinny’s character, provide kindling and leave.”

Meanwhile, a third viewer said: “I did find it weird and dumb that they just brought her back for a short period of time tbh. I would’ve thought she would’ve stayed longer.”

Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 at 7.30pm and is available to stream from 7am on ITVX