Emmerdale fans 'rumble secret return' in huge clue during Belle and Tom death drama

Emmerdale viewers spotted something in the background of a scene that may have teased a shock return on the ITV soap, with fans convinced someone has made a comeback

Emmerdale viewers think one character has made a secret return to the ITV soap amid Tom King's apparent death on Thursday night.

Belle Dingle shoved an axe in the back of her abusive husband Tom after he tried to kill her, threatening her with a shotgun. But amid Tom's fate not being confirmed, fans think it could be someone else who attacked him.

While Vinny Dingle was an initial prediction, some fans now think a returning character might be involved. One viewer claimed to have noticed a backpack in the room, wondering if someone was hiding out there at the Dingles' home.

With Ross Barton set to make a comeback soon, one theory is that Ross was hiding there for a mystery reason, and that he might have seen the drama unfolding. While it didn't look as though anyone else was in the room, one theory suggests Ross is the one who attacked Tom.

The theory read: "I think Ross Barton killed him, there was a suitcase and backpack in that room, I think Ross was hiding out there." With Ross on his way back to the show could the theory be right?

We didn't actually see her attack him it was just implied, given the episode aired pre-watershed so the scenes would have been too grisly. Some viewers are convinced this wasn't the reason for it not being shown though, wondering if another character was in the scene.

The shot panned to Belle looking shocked while Tom was on the floor with the weapon wedged in his back. While it was likely Belle who used it, fans can't help but speculate someone else will be revealed as the person wielding the axe on Friday night.

Fans think Belle's pal Vinny managed to get in and help Belle, attacking Tom. One viewer shared online: "He's not dead. I think the camera may swing around and Vinny is standing there after putting the hatched in him."

Another agreed: "No... hope he is paralysed though. I think Vinny did it, I don't think it was Belle." A third fan posted: "For a minute I thought Sam or Vinny had attacked Tom."

Other fans were baffled as to how Tom had snuck past Belle's brother Sam Dingle and pal Vinny at the house to terrorise Belle. The pair hadn't seen him despite him being in view. Some viewers were left divided over Tom's fate on Thursday night, with many sure regardless of what happens Belle wouldn't face trouble.

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX, with an hour-long episode on Thursdays.* Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .