Emmerdale bosses have confirmed the death of a legendary character.
The ITV soap’s producer has revealed that they are set to give one iconic character a fitting send-off later this year. Viewers will learn that Zak Dingle has died.
Tragically, actor Steve Halliwell, who had played the role since 1994, died last year. His on-screen appearances had been fairly infrequent in the last few years of his life.
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Zak’s last appearance was in June 2023, before Steve took a break for his health. The soap legend sadly died in December 2023.
(Image: PA)
Emmerdale producer Sophie Roper shared plans for soap to pay tribute to Zak. Speaking at a recent press day, she said: “The Dingles have been at the heart of our show for 30 years now and will continue to be so.
“And as many of you will know, of course, we lost Steve recently and the very sad passing of Steve. So we’re going to be marking Zac’s passing, iconic Zac Dingle character, in the coming months with a Dingle funeral.”
(Image: ITV)
She continued: “So very difficult for a lot of people who work on the show and obviously for a lot of our viewers who have grown and loved Zac for many, many years. But it will be a hugely fitting tribute to such an iconic character coming up.”
Steve died at the age of 77 last year. Both his family and Emmerdale shared statements on his death.
At the time, an Emmerdale spokesperson said: “It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that Emmerdale can confirm that Steve Halliwell, our beloved Zak Dingle, has peacefully passed away.
(Image: PA)
“All our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and loved ones through this very difficult time, and we’d request that their privacy is respected as they grieve for his loss.”
“Steve will forever be synonymous with Emmerdale. The proud defender and head of the Dingle family. Heart and humour in all he did, it has been and always will be impossible not to smile when you think of him.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
