Emmerdale reveals returning character's link to village as fans 'know' their identity

fans think they know which past character is returning to the soap, after their link to the village was revealed.

confirmed that next week, a character will return to the village for . It's now confirmed that the person in question is linked to the family.

No details have been given about who they are, only that they leave the Dingle family in shock. Viewers think they know the identity of the returning character though, taking to social media with their theories ahead of Zak's sad death being announced.

Viewers are convinced fan favourite Eli Dingle, the brother of Marlon Dingle, will make his long awaited comeback. Played by actor Joe Gilgun, Eli joined in 2006 and last appeared nearly 15 years ago in 2010.

Eli was Zak's nephew, with news of Zak's death being announced on the ITV soap next week. As the family grieve for their loss, will Eli head back to the show to pay his respects?

Taking to social media, fans predicted Eli's return was imminent. One fan said: "Please bring back Eli Dingle," as another agreed: "I say Eli Dingle." A third fan wrote: "Eli Dingle," as another comment read: "Will the mysterious long lost Dingle that returns be Eli?"

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The theory kept on being shared, with another viewer guessing: "I hope it's either Eli or Nellie or Tina Dingle." Another comment read: "Eli absolutely needs to come back just because I’m watching Brassic at the moment."

Actor Steve Halliwell, who played the fan favourite for decades, passed away in December last year. Now the soap and its cast will pay tribute to the actor and his iconic character Zak, as his death is announced.

Cain Dingle actor revealed the mystery person is someone "viewers might know" and that they will cause trouble ahead. In another possible hint Jeff suggested it could be a character who fans believe to be dead.

Teasing who it is, Jeff said: "It's someone you might know. They’re not going to make things go smoothly for the Dingles. Could it be someone back from the dead?"

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Speaking about the emotional scenes ahead, Jeff said: "There's really poignant moments in it. And whilst we were filming, we were all focused and giving the script everything it needed.

"But off camera as well – and Steve would have enjoyed this, because Steve always liked to have a giggle behind the camera – whilst we weren't rolling, we made sure we had some laughs as well. Because when we do get together as a group, we do make sure that it's fun to film. What I’m trying to say is that the mood wasn't just downbeat, we were making sure that we were having a laugh, and Steve wouldn't have wanted it any other way. "

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX, with an hour-long episode on Thursdays. * Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on , , , , , and .