Emmerdale Liam's new love interest on soap 'sealed' - and it's not Chas or Ella

fans are forecasting a love affair between Liam Cavanagh and an unexpected villager on the ITV drama - and it's not Chas Dingle.

The local GP (Jonny McPherson) first arrived in the Dales back in 2014, quickly winning over viewers. Recently in the soap, he reignited his relationship with ex-lover Ella Forster (Paula Lane).

Ella, who made her first appearance earlier this year, was evidently harbouring a significant secret. In 'true' soap opera style, her major revelation was eventually disclosed.

At the age of 11, Ella committed murder, killing her best friend and subsequently serving time in prison. After being released, Ella, formerly known as Ruth, has been relocating around the country.

Upon her arrival in the Dales in January, Ella hoped to finally find stability, particularly as she began a romance with Dr Liam.

However, upon discovering her past as a child murderer, Liam ended their relationship, unable to cope with it following the murder of his own daughter Leanna (Mimi Slinger), reports .

Consequently, Ella left the village in June, only to make a dramatic return a few months later, rekindling her relationship with Liam. Yet, in recent weeks, it's evident another villager has caught his attention.

Liam and soap icon Chas Dingle (Lucy Pargeter) had a brief fling earlier this year. And this week on the soap, it was clear that Liam still harbours feelings for her, despite his current relationship with Ella.

In an unexpected twist, Emmerdale aficionados are convinced Liam won't settle down with Ella or Chas. A horde of followers has taken to the web, speculating that a surprise character might be his next romantic partner.

On an Emmerdale Facebook fan forum, a viewer suggested: "Ella seems way too young for him, they just don't gel. I think the writers are building up to him getting with Chas."

Yet, some enthusiasts believe he could find love with Manpreet Sharma (portrayed by Rebecca Sarker). Another chimed in: "Someone new, what about Manpreet?" With a third echoing: "Yes Manpreet." Having made her first entrance on the show in 2018, Manpreet is a colleague of Liam's at the village medical practice.

Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 and ITVX at 7.30pm