Emmerdale icon's return 'sealed' after emotional death announcement

Emmerdale viewers are convinced Debbie Dingle is returning following the announcement of Zak Dingle's death.

During Monday's (October 14) emotional trip to the village, the sad death of Zak (played by Steve Halliwell) was announced as the news reached his son Cain (Jeff Hordley).

In recent episodes, Cain visited Scotland to see his daughter Debbie (Charley Webb), who was living with unwell dad Zak. Moira Barton (Natalie J Robb) was happy to speak to her husband on the phone and asked if he was driving in his car.

But only moments later, Moira hung up the call and had an absent seizure, burning herself while she made breakfast.

The farmer, who is living with a brain tumour, had to be assisted by her son Matty Barton (Ash Palmisciano), but Moira was frustrated that she couldn't complete the simplest of tasks.

In a twist of fate, Moira then got a call from the hospital confirming her brain surgery could take place the following day due to a cancellation. She was left scared by the invitation but refused to tell Cain the news.

Terrified by the prospect of such a high-risk operation, Moira asked Matty to join her on a walk across the fields to the graveyard of her late daughter Holly (Sophie Powles).

Eventually, Moira agreed to go through with the operation but was shocked when Cain suddenly arrived home, wanting to surprise her.

Cain explained that Zak seemed to be doing better as he shared his excitement at being home, but still, Moira kept quiet about her procedure booked for the next day.

Matty made himself scarce before Cain headed upstairs to take a shower. But while he was gone, a call came through from Debbie.

Moira tried to fight back tears as she told the heartbreaking news that Zak had just died. As Zak's death is set to leave the Dingle's distraught, Emmerdale fans have rushed to social media to predict Debbie's return following her phone call with Moira.

One person wrote to X: "Say what you want, but I need a Cain, Charity, and Debbie reunion now #emmerdale."

A second added: "Istg if I have been clowned about Debbie returning, I will have to fight someone! #Emmerdale." (sic)

A third chimed in: "Please let the rumours be true that Debbie is returning to #Emmerdale for Zak’s funeral. Be good having @MissCharleyWebb back on my screen." (sic)

"No way!? Is the rumour true that Charley Webb is returning as Debbie for Zak's funeral this week, was hoping she would but really didn't think it would happen... is it even true does anyone know? I would love to see Debbie back even if it's for one episode", added another. (sic)

Emmerdale airs weekdays at 7:30pm on ITV and ITVX