Emmerdale confirms new love interest for Belle Dingle

Finally!

By Stephanie Chase

10 Feb 2023

ITV

Emmerdale boss Jane Hudson has teased that Belle Dingle is set to get a new love interest later this year.

Appearing on Loose Women to answer questions from viewers, Hudson responded to a fan who wanted to know if Belle was in for some romance.

"We've got a bit of summer lovin' for Belle," Hudson teased. "You’ll need to see what happens, but yes, that is going to happen. Belle is finally going to fall in love with someone."

belle dingle talks to al chapman, emmerdale

ITV

Then, when the panel collectively gave an "aww" in response, Hudson warned: "Don’t say 'aw' too soon, you never know what might happen! But it could be the most perfect relationship we’ve ever seen."

After the viewer pitched a Belle and Jacob pairing, Hudson was quick to shoot the idea down: "She’s not going to find love with Jacob, but she is going to find love."

Hudson also teased Gabby Thomas' developing relationship with newcomer Nicky, the nanny.

"I think we all know that it’s not just the children Gabby wants the nanny to take care of," Hudson said.

"Gabby, she likes to get what she wants, and she is going to get what she wants, but does she want it for a long time is what we’re going to have to wait and see…"

Previously Lewis Cope, who plays Nicky, teased that his character might be more than he seems.

"At the moment, Nicky is a lovely person and there's nothing to say that he's not," he said. "But he's almost too good to be true – you'll have to wait and see."

Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.