Emmerdale viewers are convinced they’ve uncovered the secret identity of newcomer Simo, and the theory is shaking up the Dales fandom. Could he really be a long-lost member of the Dingle family — or even a recast version of the iconic Eli Dingle?

Suspicion Grows as Bear Plots Escape

During Monday and Wednesday’s episodes, fans watched as Bear Wolf (Joshua Richards) — now held against his will by Ray Walters and his mother Celia — began plotting a potential escape. Encouraged by fellow captives Mick (Leon Harrop) and Simo (Steven Gidwaney), Bear risked everything to sneak keys out of the farmhouse.

As Bear passed the keys to Simo, he revealed that Ray and Celia would be away the following day — providing a brief, dangerous window to break free. Tension is mounting: Will the men escape, or is tragedy looming?

But while Bear’s story is dramatic enough, it’s Simo’s shadowy backstory that has fans talking.

Who Is Simo… Really?

Almost nothing is known about the quiet, sharp-eyed Simo. He’s emerged as one of Ray’s many prisoners, yet his behavior seems different. Some fans think he’s working undercover, possibly as a police officer. Others, however, are going one step further — insisting he’s already part of the Emmerdale legacy.

One theory dominating social media is that Simo is actually Eli Dingle, now recast and working covertly to bring Ray and Celia down from the inside.

Fans took to Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) to compare actor Steven Gidwaney to Joseph Gilgun, who originally played Eli from 2006 to 2010. “I said that last night — it makes sense with the rumours of him coming back to take Ray down,” wrote one fan. Another added: “He looks like Eli Dingle. I thought that straight away.”

The Return of Eli Dingle?

Eli Dingle was the younger brother of Marlon, known for his wild ways, criminal past, and intense loyalty to his family. After a powerful storyline involving his cousin Debbie and a controversial mercy killing plot, Eli left the village in 2010. Fans have long hoped for his return.

If Simo is Eli — either with a new face or a fresh identity — it would mark a dramatic return for a fan-favorite and possibly set up a Dingle-versus-Ray showdown unlike anything we’ve seen in years.

Others argue Simo might not be Eli himself, but still a Dingle by blood. Could he be a cousin, a half-brother, or even a secret son?

Undercover Cop… or Family Avenger?

Of course, another prevailing theory is that Simo is working undercover. His calm demeanor, sharp observation skills, and deliberate movements suggest he might be building a case against Ray and Celia’s illegal forced labor operation.

Still, longtime viewers are putting their faith in a more personal twist: that this is about Dingle family justice. If Simo is a Dingle — and especially if he’s Eli — that adds emotional weight to Bear’s ordeal and opens the door to a full-blown Dingle family reckoning.

As the storyline hurtles toward what looks like a major escape attempt, fans are waiting with bated breath. Is Simo really who he claims to be — or is he hiding the biggest twist of 2025?

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1 and streams on ITVX.