Emmerdale viewers are speculating that the show may feature a significant return of a past antagonist, potentially stirring up Belle Dingle's life once more.
Since her on-screen birth in 2005, Belle has become an Emmerdale fixture, with actress Eden Taylor-Draper winning viewers' hearts as the character evolved into a fan-favourite.
The story arcs she has been through are no less than remarkable. Her narrative has covered everything from the tragic killing of her closest friend to a startling romantic entanglement with a local GP.
Her recent experiences have been particularly harrowing, enduring domestic abuse from her abusive spouse, Tom King, portrayed by James Chase, who subjected her to a year-long ordeal of gaslighting and manipulation.
Thankfully, last year came with reprieve as Tom received a prison sentence for his crimes, and Belle's harrowing chapter concluded, reports Belfast Live.
Moreover, lately, Belle had been embroiled in unveiling what happened to Nate Robinson, portrayed by Jurell Carter, leading to the grim discovery of his murder and subsequent submersion in a lake since last year.
Yet, the Emmerdale grapevine is buzzing with predictions of another plot twist involving Belle, as fans discuss the potential comeback of her former flame, Lachlan White, played by Tom Atkinson.
Conjecture is ablaze on social media, particularly on an Emmerdale Facebook group where one fan posited: "I wonder what Belle's next storyline will be now Tom is over and done with."
One social media user commented: "They should bring Lachlan back."
Another person added their thoughts, saying: " Good idea, he was vile wasn't he."
Yet another post read: "I always thought they would get him to return."
Meanwhile, a different viewer speculated: "If Robert Sugden can get released, pretty such Lachlan will be next".
Debuting in Emmerdale back in 2014, Lachlan White turned out to be one of the soap's most notorious serial killers with a litany of murders to his name.
His grim roster of victims included his mother Chrissie Sugden, played by Louise Marwood, and his grandfather Lawrence White, portrayed by John Bowe. While dating Belle, his reign of terror came to an end in 2019 when he was taken into custody for his shocking offences.
Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 and ITVX at 7.30pm
