Guess who’s coming home for Christmas: All the theories as Iain MacLeod teases ‘huge’ arrival
Someone is driving home for Christmas
Emmerdale boss Iain MacLeod has teased a shock arrival is on the way this Christmas – and is sure to shake things up for the village residents.
Speaking to The Sun at the National Television Awards this week, the head honcho revealed that big plans were underway for this Christmas in the Dales.
“This Christmas there is a huge surprise arrival on Christmas Day. As well as some life or death jeopardy on Christmas Day but obviously there will be festive brilliance as we do every year but I think it is one of the most exciting Christmases that I can remember on Emmerdale this year!” he announced.
But who is on their way to set the cat among the pigeons? Writing on a Reddit thread, viewers had their theories.
Here’s who’s likely to be headed to the Dales this year.
Robert Sugden
“Robert Sugden. He would cause a lot of trouble for his brother and ex partner,” one fan theorised. With Robert currently in prison, his now-ex husband Aaron is currently in a steamy situationship with Robert’s apparent half-brother, John Sudgen.
A surprise return from Robert would certainly throw their fledgling relationship into chaos.
Andy Sugden
With John recently having arrived in the village, the Sugden name is on everyone’s lips at the moment. And, if the soap were looking to build the ranks of the once-mighty family again, they could do far worse than bringing back Jack’s adoptive son, Andy.
“I would love for it to be a Sudgen or Merrick returning. Robert would be my choice, but I would be happy with Andy, Diane or even Kathy. It would tie in well with John’s entrance and help establish the Sugdens back into the show,” another viewer suggested.
Debbie Dingle
In a sad real-life twist, last year saw the death of Emmerdale legend Steve Haliwell, who played Zak Dingle on the soap. With news of the character’s death yet to pass, there’s a Dingle funeral on the cards – leading many to think that Debbie Dingle could make her long-awaited return.
“Debbie Dingle? Maybe for Zak’s funeral. Who knows,” a third wondered.
“For some odd reason I have a sinking feeling Debbie is coming back,” concurred another.
Caleb and Ruby’s daughter
Upon their arrival, it was briefly alluded to that Caleb and Ruby had not one but two children together – son Nicky, and a daughter too. With this news hanging over everyone’s heads, it’s only a matter of time before she shows up looking for mum and dad.
“Maybe it’s the once mentioned sister of Nicky that was never mentioned again,” theorised one viewer.
Piper
Terrible Tom made Belle think that her beloved pup Piper had been killed when he euthanised her after deliberately running her over. However, it was revealed that he’d actually faked her death and given her away.
“I hope Piper comes back – Tom forgot to change the details on the microchip and another vet calls Belle,” a fan suggested.
Surprise baby!
Many have theorised that this so-called ‘arrival’ could actually be a baby. Although no-one is expecting at the moment, we wouldn’t put it past the soap to spring a surprise pregnancy on one of the characters.
But who?
“Could be a surprise pregnancy, maybe Charity or Leyla?” wondered one fan.
“Or Belle… just when it’s all over and Tom sods off, Belle realises she’s having a hidden pregnancy,” said another.
“Maybe Amelia finds out she’s expecting it with Tom and announces it at Christmas,” a third theorised.
Who would you like to see make a Christmassy appearance this year?
Read more: Is Moira leaving Emmerdale? As show confirms brain tumour diagnosis, here’s everything we know
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