Emmerdale has unleashed a shake-up of living arrangements following Gabby Thomas and Vinny Dingle’s sudden split. Vinny was left all alone in his former family home this week after his wife Gabby walked out on him and moved back into Home Farm, taking her young son Thomas with her.

Vinny won’t be lonely for long, though, as Friday’s episode sees two new housemates move into Dale View to keep him company. Kim Tate, who owns the property, is the mastermind behind the decision.

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Kim meets up with Vinny at the café, claiming that he must be “rattling around” the house on his own following Gabby’s choice to move out.

Vinny assures Kim that he can still afford the rent, but the Home Farm queen clearly has other ideas as she reveals that she’s already advertising for additional tenants.

When Lewis Barton overhears the conversation, he quickly suggests that he and his brother Ross should move in with Vinny.

By the end of the day, the Barton siblings have made the move and they’re all settled in. Gabby discovers that she’s already been replaced at Dale View when she finds Vinny, Lewis and Ross all drinking together at The Woolpack.

Complaining to Kim about her meddling, Gabby protests: “I don’t want him out just laughing, drinking and happy!”

Can Kim and Dawn Fletcher talk Gabby round as she struggles with some unresolved feelings over her split from Vinny?

The new set-up at Dale View is sure to fuel the ongoing fan theories suggesting that Vinny and Lewis could become romantically involved at some point in the future.

Lewis has already promised to support Vinny if he needs it while coming to terms with his sexuality.

Bradley Riches, who plays Lewis, recently told us at the Inside Soap Awards: “[It’s] having someone from the queer community helping him and saying ‘it’s not weird to think these things, everyone’s stories are different regarding their sexuality and they have different journeys’.

“It’s very exciting to see that conversation, and how a new friendship might blossom as well.

“It’s nice to see someone who’s not sure about themselves being welcomed by someone who is very sure of themselves.”

Asked whether the connection will remain as a friendship or develop into more, he replied: “Who knows? Only time will tell. I think at the beginning it’s definitely a friendship.

“I mean, every good relationship is based on friendship and that’s a good starting point, definitely!”