ITV Emmerdale Debbie Dingle return ‘sealed’ after ‘heartbreaking family death’
Debbie Dingle hasn't been seen in Emmerdale village for almost three years and fans of the ITV soap are certain she'll return to share some sad news with her loved ones
Emmerdale fans are convinced Debbie Dingle will return to the village to share heartbreaking news for her family.
The fan favourite, played by Charley Webb, hasn’t been seen in the village since 2021 but some viewers are certain she will be back soon following the death of actor Steve Halliwell, who played Zak Dingle in the ITV soap from from 1994 until 2023. The soap world was left rocked by the heartbreaking announcement and have since demanded that he’s given an on-screen funeral.
Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one fan penned: “I hope @emmerdale do a proper funeral on screen for Zak as he was a legend.” A second person wrote: “Absolutely heartbreaking! Now Belle has lost both of her parents on the show. I wonder if they’ll hold an on screen funeral for Zak like they did for Dot in #EastEnders? #Emmerdale.
Someone else wondered: “Could #Emmerdale have the 10,000th episode to be Zak Dingles funeral and the return of Tina Dingle ( among other Dingles that showed at weddings, funerals, birthdays etc… over the years.) Some fans have called for Debbie to return if Zak has an on-screen funeral.
A third wrote: “Hopefully they will bring back Eli, Debbie, Tina, Del and introduce his eldest son Nathan and brother Zebediah.” It is yet to be confirmed it Zak will be killed off by soap bosses as the character hasn’t been seen on screen for months and is believed to be in Scotland. An announcement from Emmerdale confirming Steve’s death read: “It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that Emmerdale can confirm that Steve Halliwell, our beloved Zak Dingle, has peacefully passed away.
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“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.”
Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 and ITVX at 7.30pm
