ITV Emmerdale Billy's mystery phone caller 'revealed' - and it's a former Dales icon

Emmerdale fans are convinced that Billy Fletcher is in cahoots with a former soap star, as his massive secret begins to unravel.

The character, portrayed by Jay Kontzle, has been under immense strain recently, trying to support his financially struggling family. Viewers will remember his wife Dawn (Olivia Bromley) is unable to work as she is looking after their son Evan, who is battling leukaemia.

Over the past few weeks, Billy's behaviour has raised eyebrows. Dawn stumbled upon a bundle of cash, and Billy quickly concocted a lie, which she believed. However, during Wednesday's episode (October 9), his secret was unveiled to the audience.

Despite their ill child Evan being discharged from the hospital to return home, Billy's attention was elsewhere. Later, a battered and bloodied Billy was discovered by a worried Mack (Lawrence Robb), reports Leeds Live.

Billy had a gaping wound on his side that needed urgent medical care. But, Billy insisted on keeping everyone out of it, confessing that he had been participating in an underground boxing club.

Mack then sought help from John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth) who treated Billy's injury, before cautioning him about the potential fatal consequences if he continued fighting. Upon returning home, Dawn was alarmed at the sight of Billy's injuries, but he fabricated a story about getting involved in a Boxercise class and apologised to Dawn.

She then went to look after Evan who was now at home, however, Billy received a phone call. Answering it, a woman on the other end asked Billy if he was up for another fight next week - offering double the money.

The mysterious phone call in the soap opera has caused quite a stir among its viewers, with many taking to the internet to share their theories. One fan speculated on Reddit: "Why does the end voicemail sound a bit like a certain someone?" They elaborated: "Could just be nothing but sounds Tina doesn't it?"

The speculation found agreement among others, with one replying: "It does sound very like her, if they were to bring her back, there is the obvious reason coming soon so no need for a side plotline but this is soap." Another chimed in: "Why does the voicemail at the end sound a bit like Tina."

Tina Dingle, portrayed by Jacqueline Chadwick, debuted in Emmerdale in 1994 and was portrayed as Zak Dingle's (played by Steve Halliwell) sole daughter. However, she has not graced the screen for almost three decades, her last appearance having been in December 1996.

Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 and ITVX at 7.30pm