Emmerdale fans 'work out' who's returning for Zak Dingle's funeral - and it's not Debbie

Emmerdale viewers know a Dingle character is making a big return to the ITV soap for Zak Dingle's funeral this week, but new theories suggest it won't be Debbie

Viewers of Emmerdale think they have worked out who is returning to the ITV soap this week.

It was teased a former character, a member of the Dingle clan, would be heading back to the show for Zak Dingle's funeral. The character's death was announced on Monday, with his loved ones and the village now set to say an emotional farewell to the legend.

But teasers have revealed a familiar face will head back to the show very soon. Debbie Dingle, who was living with her grandfather Zak in Scotland, had been hotly tipped to make her comeback for the scenes.

Debbie was the one who contacted the family to reveal the sad news that Zak had sadly passed away, with the family left reeling during Tuesday's episode. Now, just days away from the mystery comeback, some fans don't think it's Debbie after all.

Speculation had continued after Debbie was listed as a character featuring in this week's episodes online, while this was not by ITV or the soap. While Debbie is likely to have featured on this list regardless of whether she's returning or not, as she was mentioned on Monday, some fans were sure Debbie would be back.

But another name is now tipped to be the mystery Dingle rejoining the show. Fans are now suspecting Zak's ex-wife Nellie Dingle might be heading back after 24 years offscreen.

Nellie is the mother of Sam Dingle, Zak's son. She's rarely mentioned but as far as fans are aware, she is still alive. Taking to social media, one fan predicted: "Nellie Dingle looms." Another said: "Now Cain and Belle are both left with no parents. But Sam's mum is still alive, so what if Nellie Dingle is who is returning?"

A third fan said: "I just put the tv on and It was #Heartbeat and Nellie Dingle was on it so that's my guess at who turns up at Zak's funeral!" Viewers will have to tune in this week to find out who comes back!

Other viewers were still sure it would be Debbie heading back to the soap. One fan wrote: "Debbie will be the big Dingle character returning to stand by Zak's graveside on Thursday. This will be heartbreaking."

Another added: "Please let the rumours be true that Debbie is returning to #Emmerdale for Zak’s funeral. be good having @MissCharleyWebb back on my screen." A third questioned: "Ah ok so I'm now thinking we got the wrong end of the stick on Debbie returning to Emmerdale... Small Spoiler: but I was reading that it's Debbie who gives the Dingles the news about Zak's death through a phone call. So if her name is in the credits, that will be why?"

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.