Emmerdale fans ‘work out’ identity of Vinny Dingle’s real dad – and it’s ‘not Paul’

There was another big secret about the Dingle family revealed on Monday as Tina was confirmed as Vinny’s biological mum – but fans ‘know’ who his real dad is

Emmerdale viewers are convinced they have worked out the real identity of Vinny Dingle’s dad after his biological mum was revealed on Monday (October 21).

After being abandoned by his father Paul Ashdale (Reece Dinsdale), kind-hearted Vinny (Bradley Johnson) has been raised by Mandy Dingle (Lisa Riley), Paul’s former girlfriend. Despite not being blood-related, Vinny is regarded as part of the family.

After years of not knowing the identity of Vinny’s mum – she was finally revealed as Tina Dingle (Samantha Power) who has returned to the village after nearly three decades.

Tina, who returned on Thursday (October 17) for her dad Zak Dingle’s (Steve Halliwell), told Mandy who was crying: “I’ve come for everything that is mine. Vinny is such a sweet boy, it makes me sad thinking about everything I have missed out on.”

**Vinny is a ‘real’ Dingle after Tina confirmed she is his biological mum** (Image: ITV)

Mandy screamed at her reminding her it was her fault this happened. But as Tina charged at her, she made it clear she wanted Zak’s house and more – before revealing she had a son.

She sharply stated: “It doesn’t matter. What’s mine is mine. My house, my son.”

As Vinny’s adoptive mother, Tina’s words left Mandy in tears as it was clear she feared the truth coming out.

**Tina warned cousin Mandy that she had come to claim ‘what’s hers’** (Image: ITV/Emmerdale)

But Tina’s revelation immediately sparked a reaction online as fans began to question who Vinny’s real dad is.

As fans of the ITV soap will know, Tina got close to Frank Tate (Norman Bowler) during the 1990s with the Home Farm owner proposing to her – but she said no.

Viewers are now suggesting Frank could be Vinny’s biological dad. One person wrote on X: “Low-key think Tina’s backstory as Vinny’s mum is gonna be really good #Emmerdale.”

**Emmerdale’s Frank Tate was played by Norman Bowler**

A second asked: “So is #Vinny the lovechild of #FrankTate on #Emmerdale?.”

A third chimed in: “Do we’re now supposed to believe Mandy’s ex had a bounce with Tina & had Vinny how bloody stupid is that.”

“Well, fancy that, Vinny is actually a REAL Dingle! And before anyone suggests it…Vinny was born in 2001. NOT another of Frank Tate’s children”, added another.

Emmerdale airs weekdays at 7:30pm on ITV and ITVX