ITV Emmerdale fans 'rumble' Zak Dingle's secret love child - and she's a soap favourite

Emmerdale fans are convinced that Zak Dingle has a secret love child with another Dales icon, who is already present in the village.

The beloved character of Zak recently passed away on the show, with his funeral scenes broadcast this week. Actor Steve Halliwell, who portrayed Zak, died in December last year at the age of 77.

Following Zak's off-screen death, Emmerdale writers have crafted a poignant exit storyline for him. Zak had been referenced in recent episodes as residing in Scotland with his granddaughter Debbie, played by Charley Webb.

The village was struck by grief when news of Zak's death emerged. In the episode aired on Monday (October 14), Moira, portrayed by Natalie J. Robb, broke the sad news to her husband Cain, played by Jeff Hordley, reports Leeds Live.

Cain took on the sombre task of informing other villagers about his father's demise. The emotional revelations were set against a backdrop of piano music as Cain spoke to Charity (Emma Atkins), Chas (Lucy Pargeter), Marlon (Mark Charnock), and Mandy, played by Lisa Riley.

Kim Tate, played by Claire King, was also deeply affected by Zak's death, which brought her to tears and momentarily paused her ongoing conflict with estranged husband Will Taylor, portrayed by Dean Andrews.

In a heartfelt moment, Kim reflected: "Zak knew exactly what was important in life. Family, they came first and they came last. He put family above anything."

Emmerdale enthusiasts are abuzz with speculation that a past encounter between Kim and Zak could have led to a clandestine romance or even the revelation of a love child. The whispers grew louder after some fans on an Emmerdale Facebook fan group suggested that there might be more to Kim's concern regarding Zak's demise.

One viewer said: "Why is Kim so upset about the passing of Zak?' A response came through from another: "Because Zac had time for Kim they understood each other."

The conversation took a turn when a third chimed in with the suggestion of a hidden 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 theory found nods of accord, as yet another added: "Now this would be a twist!" It was proposed by one that newcomer Ella Forster (played by Paula Lane) might fit the bill, stirring further theorisation.

"I think the secret child could be Ella," speculated another, prompting a second to concur: "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