Emmerdale fans have shared an interesting theory about a departing character on the ITV soap, with some viewers suspecting that she might be related to Lydia Dingle.
Lydia, played by Karen Blick, 47, was introduced on the show in 2016, with her tragic backstory having been uncovered in recent years, following her marriage into the Dingle family.
The character, who was introduced as 'Lydia Hart,' had actually assumed the identity of a dead housemate, after fleeing the life she had when she was known as Jenny Finn.
And some fans now suspect that a long lost sister storyline may be on the horizon for the character in the near future, with them having shared the theory on social media.
It's been theorised that Gail Hancock (Elizabeth Boag) - who has been the nurse of Marlon Dingle (Mark Charnock) following his stroke - could actually be related to Lydia.
Fans have suggested that there's a resemblance between Boag and Blick, with them proposing the theory ahead of the former's departure, as reported by the Daily Star.
One fan said on Facebook : "She looks a lot like Lydia… maybe the mother had twins and gave her up at birth and kept Lydia as she couldn't look after both?"
Another speculated similarly on Twitter recently: "Does anyone else think nurse Gail in #Emmerdale could somehow be Lydia's long lost sister? They look weirdly alike…"
One fan however has pointed out that a long lost sister was already introduced for Lydia, with Beth Finn (Jeanette Percival) having appeared in episodes in 2019.
The theory comes as Boag announced that she is leaving the popular ITV soap opera, though that doesn't mean that her character won't return at some point.
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The actor tweeted earlier this week: "Bye Gail! Thank you @markcharnock, @ZoeHenry03, all the cast, crew and casting team @emmerdale. Loved every minute."
Fans were quick to share their hope that the character could get a job in the village surgery, which would leave it open for her to connect with Lydia and others in the future.
"Isn't the local doctors needing a new nurse after theirs went to prison? Let's have Gail as a regular," suggested one fan. Another however said Gail is a specialist stroke nurse.
Another tweeted: "Come and join the village. The surgery needs a qualified nurse. You're perfect for the part." One viewer said: I do hope the writers will use you again."
"You were brilliant Elizabeth. Hopefully you might get a job in the village," tweeted one fan. Another said on the platform recently: "I'm sad. I hope you return permanently."
Another suggested: "They should move you to the village as a main cast member." Whilst another said: "You were brilliant in your role. They should give you a full time part."
Emmerdale continues tonight at 7.30pm on ITV and ITV Hub.
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