Emmerdale viewers are forecasting an unexpected romance between Cain Dingle and a surprising village resident.

Cain, portrayed by Jeff Hordley, has been a constant presence on the soap for a quarter of a century, first appearing in 2000. As the village’s notorious troublemaker, Cain has won over the hearts of viewers.

He’s also been at the centre of numerous major plotlines. From his love affair with cousin Charity Dingle, played by Emma Atkins, to his illicit relationship and subsequent partnership with Moira, enacted by Natalie J. Robb, his stint in the Dales has been anything but dull.

Particularly recently, as Cain has had a challenging past year in the village. In addition to losing his father Zak Dingle, played by Steve Halliwell, Cain also had to cope with his wife Moira being diagnosed with a brain tumour, reports Leicestershire Live.

Moreover, amidst all the turmoil, Cain stunned fans last year when he ended up in bed with his brother Caleb’s wife Ruby, played by Beth Cordingly – leaving both parties shocked at their actions. The truth eventually surfaced and luckily, the families were able to move beyond it.

However, currently in the Dales, Cain is hell-bent on discovering what happened to his son Nate Robinson, played by Jurell Carter.

Nate was last seen the previous year, supposedly heading to Shetland for a fresh start. But as regular viewers will be aware, he was actually murdered by John Sugden, played by Oliver Farnworth, who disposed of his body in a lake.

With Nate’s inner circle, including his ex and mother of his child Tracy (Amy Walsh), growing increasingly worried, Cain recently decided to take the trip to Shetland himself, in an attempt to discover what had happened.

However, as the truth about Nate seems likely to emerge this year, Emmerdale fans are speculating a heart-wrenching twist for Cain. Taking to online forums, some viewers have suggested that Cain will lose control and end up betraying Moira once more.

A fan on an Emmerdale Facebook group speculated: “We know Cain doesn’t / can’t handle his feelings and emotions very well, and it can all kick off when he’s grieving, angry, upset etc.”

They continued to ponder: “So, wondering if when it all does finally come out about Nate being dead if he will sleep with someone possibly Tracy,” Further supporting this line of thought, another added: “100% he will spiral. Wouldn’t surprise me if he does sleep with Tracy.” A third chimed in: ” They are only going to get closer.”