Anew Emmerdale fan theory has arisen, suggesting that Jacob’s pal Rich could be the secret son of soap lothario Al Chapman. Rich has been the talk of the town this week after he became prime suspect in having spiked Noah.

Noah’s so-called spiking, in turn, set into motion a calamitous sequence of events. wandering in the middle of the road, Charity almost ran over her own son, having been driving a limo full of women (and Liam) at the time.

Swerving to avoid her son, she crashed into an ice-covered lake. During the crash and in its aftermath, three people were killed – Suzy, Leyla and Amy. In the days which followed, Noah and Charity searched for answers, reasoning that he must have been spiked.
Rich denied trying to spike Belle’s drink (Credit: ITV)

Did Rich spike Noah?

It was then that Charity set out on the hunt for Rich. With Noah having intercepted a drink meant from Belle, everyone figured that Rich must have spiked it. He had previous for dodgy behaviour too, being caught with a bag full of cocaine in The Hide.

But with Rich managing to convince Charity and Belle he was innocent, she switched her suspicions back to Joe. And, as Noah suffered flashbacks to Joe standing over him in a mysterious hospital room, she may just be right. Did Joe drug Noah?

Meanwhile, some viewers have pointed out that Rich looks somewhat familiar. Is he the son of a former village resident?
Chas had an affair with Al Chapman (Credit: ITV)

Rich is the secret son of Al Chapman, Emmerdale fans predict

Writing on social media as this week’s episodes aired, fans shared their thoughts on Rich’s parentage. And some wondered whether he might be the son of one Al Chapman.

“Jacob’s friend looks like Al, anyone remember him? He was Chas’ ex fella,” wrote one fan.

“His secret son?” a second wondered.

“He [Al] was a dirty dog if I remember correctly so probably,” a third agreed.

Could Rich be Al’s son?

Love rat Al was the former lover of Chas Dingle. After a lengthy affair, he died – killed by young Kyle, who’d been protecting his dad. But, as one fan rightfully points out, Al was famed for his putting it about. Could he have a son in Rich?