Emmerdale has never shied away from shock family secrets, and now fans believe another one could soon rock the village. Speculation is growing that Caleb Miligan (William Ash) has a hidden son – and that he’s already part of life in the Dales.

Caleb’s Complicated Family History

Over the past few years, viewers have watched Caleb reconnect with two of his children. In 2023, it was revealed that Nicky Miligan (Lewis Cope) was actually the son of Caleb and Ruby (Beth Cordingly). Then, only a year later, Steph Miligan (Georgia Jay) returned after years away.

Steph’s story came with a tragic truth. She was conceived after Ruby suffered years of abuse at the hands of her father, Anthony Fox. Although Caleb is not her biological parent, he promised to raise her as his daughter and stood by her side during the painful revelation.

But for Emmerdale fans, Caleb’s story still feels unfinished. Could there be another child he has yet to acknowledge?

Dylan Penders at the Centre of Theories

Viewers are pointing to newcomer Dylan Penders (Fred Kettle) as the potential missing link. Dylan was first introduced at the beginning of the year when April Windsor (Amelia Flanagan) was living rough. Soon after April returned home, Dylan arrived in the village and admitted he was battling drug addiction.

In March, Dylan left to enter rehab with financial help from Marlon Dingle (Mark Charnock). April was emotional to say goodbye, but Dylan made a comeback in July. Since then, his life has remained complicated thanks to his connection with dangerous drug dealer Ray Walters (Joe Absolom).

Dylan was also revealed to be behind a break-in at Moira Dingle’s (Natalie J Robb) farm, which ended with him being stabbed in the leg with a pitchfork. Following treatment, he drifted until Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt) offered him shelter at Tenant House.

To add another layer, Dylan has started a romance with April, further cementing his ties to the Dales.

A Job Interview Sparks Suspicion

Recent episodes showed Dylan attempting to turn his life around with a job at Caleb’s warehouse. While Jai Sharma (Chris Bisson) doubted whether Dylan deserved a chance, Caleb was quick to defend the troubled teen.

During the heated discussion, Caleb reflected on his own past. He reminded Jai that he had not enjoyed the best start in life but had worked hard to become successful. He insisted that Dylan showed the same drive.

Caleb even told Dylan directly: “I think me and you have got a lot in common.” The look they shared afterwards didn’t go unnoticed by viewers, who believe the soap is hinting at something more.

Fans React Online

The theory quickly spread across social media. One fan posted on Facebook: “I’m starting to think Caleb could be Dylan’s dad. What do you think?”

Another replied: “The odds are quite high in Emmerdale.” A third viewer added: “Yes, I thought that when he said they were similar.”

Others believe the show is deliberately dropping breadcrumbs. “It’s always another Dingle or Miligan twist,” one fan joked.

What’s Next for Caleb and Dylan?

Emmerdale has a long history of shocking paternity bombshells, so this theory feels far from impossible. Linking Dylan to Caleb could explain the soap’s growing focus on their connection, while also tying Dylan more firmly to the wider village.

For now, the storyline remains open. Caleb sees a reflection of his own struggles in Dylan, while Dylan craves guidance and stability. Whether their bond is paternal or not, it looks certain to play a major role in upcoming episodes.

If the fan theory proves true, Caleb’s family web will grow even more tangled – and Emmerdale will have yet another explosive secret waiting to be revealed.