Emmerdale fans are hoping for a new series that’s centred on two beloved characters

Emmerdale fans are hoping for a spin-off series with two “iconic” characters – and they might surprise you.

The residents of Home Farm have recently faced a lot of turmoil, following Will Taylor’s unexpected death over Christmas – which was brought on by the return of Joe Tate.

Joe arrived back in the village as part of his scheme to take Kim Tate down, after she tried to kill him six years ago – but she has seemed weirdly receptive of having him back in her life.

However, in recent episodes, Kim has shown a bit of suspicion towards her step-grandson, which led to her placing a bug in his room.

After this plan didn’t bring up any dirt on Joe, Kim enlisted her friend Lydia Dingle as a spy, all while making Joe think that she fully trusts him.

“[Joe] needs to believe that he’s no longer under surveillance whilst having someone keep a very close eye on him… someone no one would suspect,” Kim said.

It didn’t take long for Lydia to find some dirt on Joe. After secretly following him to the empty cottage, she spotted him sharing a kiss with Dawn Fletcher, and quickly captured the exchange on her phone.

Lydia rushed back and showed the photos to Kim, who was furious at the revelation and later urged Dawn to put a stop to the affair.

Joe has since spotted Lydia snooping about in his bedroom, but hasn’t worked out that she’s doing Kim’s bidding.

Emmerdale fans have been loving Kim and Lydia’s secret partnership, with many even urging producers to launch a spin-off that follows the pair on their “hilarious” adventures.

“Who would’ve thought that Lydia would make a top-class secret agent? From the moment that Kim teamed up with her, I knew we were in for some fun, but I didn’t expect her to uncover Joe’s fling with Dawn so quickly. I would pay good money for a Kim and Lydia spin-off!” one fan shared on Reddit.

“I will definitely pay good money to see it. Writers & producers take note! I just love Claire King & Karen Blick when Kim & Lydia get together,” another added, while a third said: “I, too, would be delighted with more Kim/Lydia screen time.”

A fourth viewer echoed the sentiment: “I love these two together. They are such unlikely friends, but each have been there for the other and they are gold.”

Meanwhile, another fan shared their hopes for Vanessa Woodfield to join the duo in their mischief: “I think Vanessa being a third member of that friendship could be good.”

Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 at 7.30pm and is available to stream from 7am on ITVX