Emmerdale viewers are buzzing with speculation over which Dingle family member will make a surprise return for Zack Dingle’s upcoming funeral. The beloved character, portrayed by Steve Halliwell since 1994, passed away at age 77 in December, prompting the show’s writers to weave Zack’s death into the storyline. Zack had been living in Scotland, and after news of his declining health, his son Cain visited him, only to later return with the devastating news of Zack’s passing. In next week’s episodes, Cain and his brother Sam will travel to Scotland to bring Zack’s body back to the village for a final farewell.

As the Dingle family and the village prepare to say their goodbyes, fans are convinced that a long-absent relative will appear at the funeral, causing a stir. Several cast members have teased a significant return, with Lisa Riley (Mandy Dingle) hinting that someone from the past will reappear, impacting Mandy, Paddy, and Vinnie moving forward. Jeff Hordley, who plays Cain, added that this person will bring complications for the Dingles.

Fans have been actively theorizing about who this returning family member could be, with many pointing to Mandy’s mother, Vera Lynn. Although Vera was thought to have died when Mandy was young, recent clues have led viewers to believe she might still be alive. Some fans are excited by the possibility, while others feel it would be a disappointing twist. The speculation intensified after Vera’s name was mentioned in Caleb Dingle’s backstory, adding fuel to the theory that her reappearance could have dramatic consequences for the Dingle family, especially for Mandy and Paddy. As the funeral approaches, fans are eager to see if their theories will prove true.