EMMERDALE fans think that a shock death twist could play a part in Belle Dingle and

Tom King’s harrowing abuse plot. Viewers of the ITV soap opera have begun to speculate

that one legendary character’s death will be weaved into the recent sickening storyline.

Fans know that the actor who plays Belle’s on-screen dad Zak, Steve Halliwell, passed away last year aged 77 following a battle with a series of health issues. His family issued a statement at the time as they remarked on Steve’s incredible life and legacy. Emmerdale also issued a statement in which they paid tribute to one of the programme’s longest-running characters. Now, viewers think that Zak’s screen death and funeral will have strong ties to his daughter Belle’s current abuse at the hands of her dastardly husband. Tom has been abusing Belle for months and has been attempting to control a number of elements of her life. As this all occurs, Zak has been staying with Debbie Dingle in Scotland.

Predictions have seen fans speculate that Debbie will return to tell the family of Zak’s passing and this will allow Tom to keep control over Belle. Posting online, one fan said: “I personally think Debbie will return to the village and come to Wishing Well Cottage and gather all the Dingle’s and tell them about Zak.” This was followed by the shocking theory: “I think they’ll probably find a way of linking Zak’s death to the Belle/Tom abuse storyline – perhaps Tom will stop Belle from attending Zak’s funeral. (I hope I’m wrong about this though! )”.

Somebody else speculated: “Or more likely Tom refusing to let her visit Zak when he is sick, and Zak ends up dying.” Before a third theory suggested: “Belle snaps blaming Tom for her not being able to see her father one last time, only for Tom to turn it all back on her, making her think that it was all her fault for not being able to look after Zak while he was still in the village, that it was somehow her fault for him not getting better and dying.” The soap has yet to address the character of Zak since Steve’s passing.

Confirming his death at the time, a spokesperson for Emmerdale said: “It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that Emmerdale can confirm that Steve Halliwell, our beloved Zak Dingle, has peacefully passed away.” “All our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and loved ones through this very difficult time, and we’d request that their privacy is respected as they grieve for his loss.” “Steve will forever be synonymous with Emmerdale. The proud defender and head of the Dingle family. Heart and humour in all he did, it has been and always will be impossible not to smile when you think of him.” Zak actor Steve died last year after health woesCredit: Rex