Emmerdale fans reckon they’ve figured out how one character will be leaving the soap.

It was previously reported that Samson Dingle had been axed from the ITV soap after 18 years. Actor Sam Hall has played the role since 2009.

In Monday night’s episode, viewers were introduced to the character’s new friend Josh. He appeared to be a bit of bad news, as he and Samson milled around an old van.

It became clear the duo were trying to fix up the van in time for Samson to pass his driving test. Josh said: “What do you reckon then, legal by summer?”

Samson then confirmed his plans for the summer. He told dad Sam and Lydia: “If we get it fixed up in time, we will be off around Europe.”

But Lydia was clearly very worried. Later on, she said to Sam: “Have you read the papers, it’s full of young lads who have just passed their driving tests – which Samson hasn’t.

“Their mates are all in the car, distracting them and suddenly it’s…” She didn’t finish her sentence as Samson soon walked in.

However it appears soap bosses may have given a nod to how Samson will be leaving the soap. One person said on Twitter: “Guessing Samson’s new mate is his lazily written exit storyline then?!”

But Samson might not even make it to summer. Last week, soap spoilers revealed he will be on the wrong end of a knife after a scuffle with Matty.

Josh is set to start provoking Matty and deadnaming him after he starts flirting with Amy. Matty asks them to leave but they soon return and demand the cash from the till.