Emmerdale fans are convinced that the soap is lining up a huge return for one of its most deadly characters, with Belle Dingle set for a shock reunion in upcoming scenes

Emmerdale ‘to bring back’ soap villain after 6 years and the Dingles should be worried

Emmerdale viewers are buzzing with speculation that the iconic soap could be plotting the return of a notorious rogue to shake up Belle Dingle’s life.

Ever since her on-screen birth in 2005, Belle Dingle, portrayed by the talented Eden Taylor-Draper, has captured the hearts of legions of ITV soap devotees.

Her journey has been peppered with high-stakes drama, from committing manslaughter to embarking on a scandalous liaison with the local GP; Belle’s stint in the Dales has been anything but dull.

The last year was particularly harrowing for Belle as she endured domestic torment at the hands of her vile spouse, Tom King, artfully played by James Chase, who manipulated and terrorised her mercilessly.

Belle’s had a dramatic past 12 months (Image: ITV)

Tom’s reign of terror was finally halted late the previous year when he was convicted of assault and controlling conduct, resulting in a three-year imprisonment, reports Belfast Live.

Adding to her tumultuous existence, Belle recently plunged into unravelling the bleak fate of Nate Robinson, portrayed by Jurell Carter, only to discover his tragic end as a murder victim lying undiscovered in the lake for over a year.

Fans have predicted a shock new storyline (Image: ITV)

Now, waves of chatter among viewers suggest a big twist could be on the horizon, with predictions circling about the potential comeback of Belle’s former lover, the dastardly Lachlan White, depicted by Tom Atkinson.

In exchanges on an Emmerdale fan forum on Facebook, a user mused: “I wonder what Belle’s next storyline will be now Tom is over and done with.”

Viewers reckon Lachlan could make a return (Image: ITV)

One viewer wrote: “They should bring Lachlan back.” Another agreed, saying: ” Good idea, he was vile wasn’t he.” A third added: “I always thought they would get him to return.” A fourth noted: “If Robert Sugden can get released, pretty sure Lachlan will be next.”

Lachlan White first graced our screens in 2014, becoming one of Emmerdale’s most notorious serial killers.

His victims ranged from his on-screen mum Chrissie Sugden (Louise Marwood) to his grandfather Lawrence White (John Bowe). Lachlan also had a relationship with Belle but left the soap in 2019 when he was finally arrested for his dreadful deeds.