ITV Emmerdale dog Piper's comeback 'sealed' as fans 'work out' how - and it's soon

Emmerdale viewers are abuzz with speculation that the much-missed canine Piper could be making a sensational return to the soap, as fans piece together potential plot twists.

The cherished dog vanished from the Dales some time ago following a vile scheme by Tom King (played by James Chase), who sought to convince his wife Belle Dingle (portrayed by Eden Taylor-Draper) that her beloved pet had met a tragic end.

Viewers will remember the harrowing period when Tom subjected Belle to prolonged abuse, culminating in a shocking incident where he struck Piper with his car. In a twisted act of deception, Tom pretended to have found Piper injured by the roadside.

Feigning heroism, Tom claimed to have done everything possible to save the injured Piper, ultimately delivering the heart-wrenching lie to Belle that Piper had not survived. Contrary to his claims, Piper was very much alive.

After a poignant memorial for Piper, a scene unfolded showing Tom at a location away from the village, passing the living Piper into the care of an unsuspecting couple, deceitfully telling them that Piper's original owner was unkind and that the dog would be happier with them, reports Leeds Live.

As time has passed, Belle remains oblivious to the fact that Piper is still alive. However, recent hints suggest that Piper's story isn't over yet.

At the Inside Soap Awards this year, when The Sun probed the real-life owners of the dog portraying Piper about the possibility of a return, they teased: "She is alive you never know! " This has led to fervent fan theories on social media about how Piper might reappear.

On an Emmerdale fan page on Facebook, one viewer speculated: "Have a feeling Piper will return for either Emmerdale super soap week or in run up to Christmas as the storyline comes to an end, sooner the better please."

Another individual expressed hope: "I'm hoping she gets out and taken to the vet for scanning." Meanwhile, a third person wrote: "I think she will get out of the new house someone will find her take her to the vets and they will scan her to check who she belongs to and it will all come to light."

A fourth participant then pondered: "I wonder if the couple bring Piper to see a vet and one of the vets sees her?"

And a fifth commented: "I'm waiting for Belle's dog Piper to escape from her new owners and make her way back to Emmerdale, to be found by Rhona in the street who causes a big fuss, drawing the attention of Nicola and Jimmy. They realise that they've been fooled all along and tell the police."

Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 and ITVX at 7.30pm