Emmerdale enthusiasts are bracing for more drama as they predict Belle Dingle will face fresh turmoil on the ITV soap, with a DNA revelation potentially shaking the village to its core. Belle has been enduring the torment of her abusive spouse Tom King, and viewers are now bracing for further distress as they anticipate Belle receiving the devastating news of her father Zak Dingle's passing, following the real-life death of actor Steve Halliwell last year.
Attentive fans are convinced that Tom will prevent Belle from attending the funeral once the announcement is made. However, some speculate that the plot may thicken with a suggestion that Zak might not be Belle's biological father, or that Tom could manipulate her into believing this falsehood. The show has previously delivered such DNA shocks, exemplified when Daz Spencer was unveiled as Amelia's true father, overturning her belief that Dan was her genetic parent.
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...?' Echoing this sentiment, another added: '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).' A third chimed in with their theory: 'Oh yea I can definitely see Tom faking a birth certificate or something with another man's name on. But who!!'
Zak Dingle star Steve Halliwell died in December 2023 at age 77 after a series of health struggles. His family released a statement saying: 'He went to sleep, peacefully, with his loved ones around him. He was making us laugh to the end, the most amazing father and grandfather you could ever wish for, family was everything to him.' Colleagues from Emmerdale offered their condolences, with James Hooton, who plays Sam Dingle, sharing: '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.' Danny Miller, known for his role as Aaron Dingle, also paid his respects.
