Emmerdale spoilers follow.
Emmerdale‘s fan-favourite character Piper the dog could make an appearance as Belle and Tom King’s coercive control storyline continues.
Played by Minnie, the pup has played a key role in the harrowing story, which saw Tom subjecting Piper to vile abuse and even lying to Belle to make her believe the dog had died.
As an injured Piper was actually entrusted to the care of another couple, she could make a return to the show, as her owners teased at the Inside Soap Awards where Minnie was awarded the first-ever prize for Best Pet.
Related: Emmerdale airs sad death in Caleb and Ruby storyline
“She is alive. You never know!” they told The Sun.
They also shared they got emotional during the violent scenes despite being on set while filming took place.
“I cried. I cried watching them even though I was there when they were being filmed,” they said.
“So I know she was never under any stress but their editing work was amazing. The editing is incredible.”
Related: Emmerdale star teases possible split for Billy and Dawn
Meanwhile, Belle star Eden Taylor-Draper has called for Minnie to return to Emmerdale.
“I would love that more than anything, because Piper meant everything to Belle,” she said.
“When Belle and Tom were in the holiday cottage in Wales, Belle didn’t leave because she was hurt – she left because Piper was hurt and that is huge,” she continued.
“Piper is Belle’s little lifeline and has saved her. For her to know her best friend is there, of course she would fight to get her back and I hope that happens.”
Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.
Read more Emmerdale spoilers on our dedicated homepage
If you’ve been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, organisations including Refuge (www.refuge.org.uk), New Beginnings Peer Support (www.newbeginningspeersupport.com) and Women’s Aid (www.womensaid.org.uk) can provide further support and information. The 24-hour, freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline is 0808 2000 247. The US National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), or text LOVEIS to 22522.