Emmerdale viewers have predicted a shock new romance between Belle Dingle and a rather unexpected villager.

The soap favourite (Eden Taylor-Draper) has had a difficult past twelve months as she was the victim of domestic abuse at the hands of her sicko husband Tom King (James Chase).

The pair tied the knot in 2024 – but the abuser’s true colours eventually came to light. Tom made Belle’s life a living nightmare for months by gaslighting and abusing her.

Fortunately, Belle’s ordeal came to an end late last year, when Tom was found guilty of assault and controlling and coercive behaviour and he got three years custodial sentence.

Belle’s had a difficult past twelve months (Image: ITV)

Since then, she has attempted to put the dark chapter behind her, and in February, she headed back to work at Take A Vow, as she previously given up the job amid pressure from controlling Tom.

However, following the tragic deaths of Leyla Harding (Roxy Shahidi) and Suzy Merton (Martelle Edinborough), Belle took the reins, including arranging the wedding of Liam (Jonny McPherson) and Chas (Lucy Pargeter).

Viewers have predicted a new romance for Belle
In Friday’s episode (April 5) though, Leyla’s son, Jacob Gallagher (Joe-Warren Plant) – who now owns Take A Vow – dropped a bombshell on Belle.

Jacob, a trainee doctor, lacks both the time and the interest to manage his late mother’s business, so he offered Belle a chance to buy the company.

However, fans are now certain that a romance is bubbling between Belle and Jacob. On an Emmerdale Facebook fan page, one person wrote: “Wouldn’t Belle and Jacob make a lovely couple.”

Fans have predicted a Belle and Jacob romance
Other fans agreed, as a second penned: “I thought that last night. A third also said: “Me too.” Another viewer wrote: “They would make a great couple, both been through a lot, deserve some happiness. Belle would be a good support for Jacob in his studies.”

But other Emmerdale fans were not keen on their potential romance. One person fumed: “Oh no I really hope not!”

Another declared: “No definitely not, if he tries anything she needs to run fast! He’s just a winger and dull.” A third said: “No she is to mature for him.”