ITV Emmerdale Cain star teases huge Dingle return with cryptic five-word comment

Emmerdale legend Jeff Hordley has dropped a major clue at which long-lost family member returns to the village for Zak Dingle’s funeral next week in jaw-dropping scenes

Emmerdale’s Jeff Hordley has teased the identity of the family member who returns for Zak Dingle’s funeral.

Next week, The Dingles learn Zak’s (Steve Halliwell) has passed away and Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) informs the family about Zak’s death.

It’s a sad day for the Dingles and the village at large and the bereft family take comfort in being with each other. Soon Cain and Sam Dingle (James Hooton) find Belle Dingle (Eden Taylor-Draper) outside and the trio reminisce about their father, all knocked for six by his passing.

Soon the villagers gather on Main Street to wave Sam and Cain off as they poignantly leave for Scotland to bring Zak home. Thanks to Chas Dingle (Lucy Pargeter), the Woolpack becomes a space for mourning. Later at Wishing Well, the Dingles gather and raise a glass to Zak’s memory. On the day of the funeral, a long-lost relative appears at the graveside, shocking the family.

Hinting at the long-lost relative who turns up at the graveside, 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?”

Jeff has played Cain since March 2000 and over the past 24 years he’s been part of some of the ITV soap’s most gripping storylines. Opening up about filming Zak’s funeral, the actor explained: “There’s really poignant moments in it. And whilst we were filming, we were all focused and giving the script everything it needed.

**Jeff has played Cain since March 2000 and over the past 24 years he’s been part of some of the ITV soap’s most gripping storylines** (Image: ITV)

“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.”

**Jeff says he’s “proud” to play a Dingle** (Image: ITV/Emmerdale)

“Being a Dingle for me, is a source of immense pride. It’s something that I still pinch myself when I think about. I’m kind of part of this institutional amazing family that’s part of the Emmerdale fabric. So, yeah, I just feel very honoured and very proud. I’m very thankful to be a Dingle.”

Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 and ITVX at 7.30pm