Emmerdale's Jeff Hordley Provides Big Hint About the Return of Dingle as Identity is 'Unveiled'

In a twist that’s more surprising than discovering your favorite shirt has been shrunk in the wash, Jeff Hordley, star of Emmerdale, has let slip some tantalizing tidbits about a long-lost relative of the Dingles making a rather dramatic comeback. I mean, why wouldn’t you want to crash a funeral? It’s the perfect opportunity for family gossip and revealing secrets, all while people are a little too preoccupied with their tissues and grief.

Next week, the village will be buzzing as the Dingles gather to bid farewell to dear old Zak Dingle, who, as we all know, clearly has more drama in his life after death than most of us have while living. Rumor has it that this newcomer isn’t just some random villager; no, they come with the lineage of the Dingles—a past relative stepping out of the shadows like a soap-opera ghost seeking closure. Is this a family reunion? A confrontation? A new drama? My bets are on “all of the above.”

Jeff, the kingpin of Cain Dingle (not to be confused with the head of a crime family, although sometimes it feels like the same thing), hinted that the identity of this mystery relative is someone viewers might just recognize—not to mention, they’re bound to stir the pot. Because what’s family without a little tabloid-worthy drama? “It's someone you might know,” he tantalizingly teased, “and they’re not going to make things go smoothly for the Dingles. Could it be someone back from the dead?” Well, how’s that for a cliffhanger? Who knew funerals could double as a season finale?

This long-awaited return coincides tragically with Zak’s own exit from the show, as actor Steve Halliwell—who breathed life into the character for decades—sadly passed away last December. The hearts will be heavy next week as the cast pays tribute, while viewers prepare for emotional scenes. Can we all agree that funerals should come with some emotional therapy packaged in? Just a thought.

As if that weren’t enough, we’ll witness emotional family gatherings that promise to be as chaotic as a family meal on Thanksgiving after one too many glasses of wine. Little Debbie Dingle will be the harbinger of news that announces Zak’s unfortunate demise, prompting moments that could put an onion factory to shame with the amount of crying involved. Cain and his siblings, Belle and Sam, will decide to embark on a journey to Scotland to bring their father back—because nothing says "let’s mourn" quite like a little road trip, right?

Speaking to the poignant themes, Jeff expressed how the filming evoked genuine emotions, tempered by moments meant to lighten the mood—a nod to Steve’s love for laughter behind the scenes. “We made sure we had some laughs,” he added, reminding us that sometimes laughter is the best response to life’s tough moments, especially when surrounded by your soap family. And then there’s the delightful comical chaos as members of the Dingle clan react in their own wonderfully exaggerated ways to the sudden and sad news—they are, after all, Dingles. Expect nothing less than dramatic flair!

So mark your calendars, dear soap enthusiasts. Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30 pm, steadily punching us in the emotional gut while keeping our spirits slightly higher with that signature Dingle humor, followed by a longer, hour-long saga on Thursdays. Grab your popcorn and maybe some tissues—you’re going to need both.