Emmerdale fans have ‘worked out’ how the soap will announce Zak Dingle’s death.

The character was played by the late Steve Halliwell. Making his debut in 1994, Zak went on to become one of the soap’s much-loved characters as the head of the Dingle clan.

Sadly, Steve passed away at the age of 77 last year after numerous health battles. His family confirmed at the time: “He went to sleep, peacefully with his loved ones around him.”

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They also added: “He was making us laugh to the end, the most amazing father and grandfather you could ever wish for, family was everything to him.”

Steve was a vital part of the ITV soap for many years until around last year. Zak was barely seen in episodes around the time, instead spending time in Scotland with other Dingles.

Now, fans reckon the long-running soap will announce Zak’s death soon, and are convinced that on-screen daughter Belle could be issued another heartbreaking blow following the news.

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Over on a Reddit thread, one person said: “Predictions for how they will announce Zak’s death?” The same user then 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.”

However, other fans think Zak’s daughter Belle could be issued another heartbreaking blow following Zak’s death. As viewers will recall, Belle Dingle (Eden Taylor-Droper) is at the centre of a gripping domestic abuse storyline with her new husband Tom (James Chase).

And fans think this could play into Zak’s death announcement on the ITV soap. One fan mused: “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!)”