Emmerdale fans are convinced they know who Billy Fletcher will date next after his split from cheating wife Dawn Taylor – and it’s a familiar face from the Dales

Emmerdale viewers believe they’ve figured out who Billy Fletcher’s next love interest will be.

Billy, portrayed by Jay Kontzle, first appeared in the iconic Dales in December 2018 and has since become a beloved character among the soap’s dedicated fanbase.

The devoted father has been involved in numerous major storylines on the soap, from his ill-fated wedding to Dawn Taylor (Olivia Bromley) to their child Evan’s shocking leukaemia diagnosis.

Currently, he is unaware that Dawn has been unfaithful with fellow villager Joe Tate (Ned Porteous), who made a dramatic return to the soap over Christmas and has been causing chaos ever since.

Seeking a respite from recent pressures, Dawn turned to Joe and despite claiming it was a one-time thing, the pair have continued their affair while falling for each other.

Joe’s step-grandmother Kim Tate (Claire King) had her doubts about Joe and eventually discovered Joe and Dawn’s secret relationship.

Despite her best efforts to keep them apart, in Wednesday’s episode (April 16), Dawn made a significant decision: she chose to end her relationship with Billy to be with Joe.

Now, as Billy and Dawn’s breakup approaches, fans are already certain they know who his next partner will be – and it’s a familiar face.

Another stated: “He definitely needs someone better for him.” While suggestions for his next romantic interest are flying in, with one fan proposing: “Debbie Dingle!” This beckoned another commenter to concur: “Yes to this – it would annoy Joe as well.”

Soap veteran Debbie Dingle, portrayed by Charley Webb since 2002 and the daughter of Cain (Jeff Hordley), has been central to many major story arcs in the show, including her involvement with Joe, up until her departure in 2021.