fans are abuzz with theories that Zak Dingle’s long-lost son Nathan might already be roaming the village.
Following the sad departure of fan favourite Zak (played by Steve Halliwell) on screen due to the tragic real-life death of the actor in December 2023, at 77, viewers can’t help but ponder about his extensive family tree.
Since his entrance in 1994, the Dingles have become ingrained in ITV soap history. As patriarch of the infamous family, Zak has tied the knot thrice and fathered seven children, including Cain (Jeff Hordley), Belle (Eden Taylor-Draper), Tina (Samantha Power), Butch (Paul Loughran), Sam (James Hooton), and Ben (Steve Jackson).
Enigmatic Nathan, a child from Zak’s union with Nellie Dingle (Sandra Gough), has only existed in words, briefly mentioned by both Tina Dingle (Jacqueline Pirie) in the ’90s and at Butch’s funeral. Choosing to cut off contact with the Dingles, Nathan’s whereabouts remain a tantalising enigma.
Yet, the show’s loyal followers suspect they’ve cracked the case, convinced that has secretly housed Nathan all along, masquerading as another character. “With Zak Dingle no longer with us I think it’s about time Nathan comes to ,” one viewer pitched on an Facebook fan group, sparking agreement amongst fellow fans.
:
Zak has a mysterious son called Nathan (Image: ITV)
One replied: “Yes bring the eldest son of his to the Dales – Nathan would be good.” Soap fans have been buzzing with theories regarding the mysterious John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth) in the popular programme, convinced that he may very well be Nathan.
Eager viewers took to social media, with one stating: “I have said all along that John Sugden is really Nathan!” Another viewer concurred, suggesting: “You could be onto something, John is definitely not who he says he is…”
A third fan gave their opinion, suggesting the showrunners might have ‘confirmed’ a connection between John and Nathan months earlier when John started dating Aaron, reports Leicestershire Live.
: [SOAP] [SOAP] [SOAP]
Fans think John is really Nathan (Image: ITV)
They speculated: “Do you think that’s why he got in a relationship with Aaron all along?” This theory gained traction, with someone else responding: “Yup, poor Aaron.”
Introduced as Jack Sugden’s (portrayed by the late Clive Hornby) long-lost son, John quickly became a familiar face in the village. He caught the attention of the locals and began a relationship with Aaron Dingle (played by Danny Miller), while also connecting with family members like his sister Victoria (Isabel Hodgins).
Despite settling into village life, fan suspicions about John’s true identity grew, especially after he was involved in concealing the murder of Anthony Fox (Nicholas Day).
airs weeknights on ITV1 and ITVX at 7.30pm