Ever since Vinny arrived in Emmerdale with Mandy Dingle, fans of the soap have wondered about his past.
Some believed the mysterious teenager was Mandy’s secret son, while others suspected they were really lovers…
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After Vinny’s arrival last year, actress Lisa Riley – who plays Mandy – teased his real identity would “unfold” in the future.
Both come with huge stories that will see lives changed and big explosions in 2020.
And now we can reveal that the ITV soap will explore Vinny’s backstory after shock accusations from the Dingles.
In upcoming scenes, Vinny is accused of being a thief when a valuable item goes missing.
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Viewers know that Vinny (played by Bradley Johnson) was introduced to the show in January last year as the ‘son’ of Mandy Dingle.
As fans went into overdrive speculating he might, in fact, be Mandy’s child with Paddy, it was later revealed that they’re not biologically related after all.
So what IS the real connection between Vinny and Mandy? So far, we’ve been left in the dark.
But that’s all about to change when Sam Dingle’s ring goes missing and the finger of suspicion points to Vinny.
It’s hardly surprising that he’s blamed, either – having been at the centre of numerous scams since his arrival in the village.
But is he capable of pawning the piece of jewellery for some quick cash, as some suspect?
The young lad has been desperate to be accepted by the Dingle family, so would he risk that by stealing from them?
As the family bicker amongst themselves, it’s not long before the Dingles learn something new about Vinny…
A bombshell is dropped about his past that could help to explain his identity.
Some conspiracy theorists have speculated that newcomer Paul – played by former Coronation Street star Reece Dinsdale – could be linked to Vinny.
Emmerdale bosses recently announced Paul, who arrives any day now, will be a blast from Mandy’s past who will stir things up for her and Vinny.
![FROM ITV STRICT EMBARGO until 00:01 Friday 7th February 2020 EMMERDALE DOUBLE TROUBLE IN THE DALES Following Emmerdale’s fourth consecutive win in the Best Serial Drama category at the National Television Awards, the show is pleased to announce Mark Womack and Reece Dinsdale will be joining the cast. Mark will play DI Malone a police officer with a dark history and Reece will take on the role of Paul a blast from Mandy Dingles (Lisa Riley) past who will certainly stir things up for her and Vinny (Bradley Johnson). Both characters will be on screen this spring. Mark is known for his roles in Liverpool 1 and Murphy’s Law and Reece Coronation Street and Home to Roost. Mark said ‘It’s always a lot of fun to play the bad guy and Malone definitely falls into that category. I'm looking forward to the audience seeing his twisted tale unfold on screen.’ Reece [PICTURED] said ‘I'm absolutely delighted to be joining the cast of Emmerdale. Having recently directed a couple of episodes, and seen at close quarters the superb work the cast, crews and creatives produce, I can't wait to become part of the team once again... albeit in a different capacity. Time to get my acting boots back on! ' Producer Laura Shaw said ‘We are absolutely thrilled to have Reece Dinsdale and Mark Womack joining the Emmerdale family. Although playing very different characters, both come with huge stories that will see lives changed and big explosions in 2020. We're all very excited to see these two hugely talented and experienced actors grace our screens. Press Contacts: Sian Hunter 0113 222 7112 sian.hunter@itv.com Emily Ogden 0113 222 7110 emily.ogden@itv.com Janine Goodall 0113 222 7121 janine.goodall@itv.com Picture editor: David Crook 0161 952 6214 david.crook@itv.com Photographer - Mark Bruce This photograph is (C) ITV Plc and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. Once made available by ITV plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the transmission [TX] date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms](https://cdn.entertainmentdaily.com/2020/02/06151515/Screenshot-2020-02-06-at-15.15.10.png)
Producer Laura Shaw said of new cast member Reece and fellow actor Mark Womack: “We are absolutely thrilled to have Reece Dinsdale and Mark Womack joining the Emmerdale family.
“Although playing very different characters, both come with huge stories that will see lives changed and big explosions in 2020.
“We’re all very excited to see these two hugely talented and experienced actors grace our screens.”
Emmerdale is still riding high after its fourth consecutive win in the Best Serial Drama category at the National Television Awards, but yesterday they lost out on the TRIC Award for Best Soap to fellow ITV show Coronation Street.
Who do you think Vinny really is? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think!