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.

“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.”

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.”