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 wron.