Emmerdale enthusiasts are preparing themselves for the tear-jerking episode that will bid farewell to Zak Dingle, with whispers suggesting his exit could align with Christmas.
The soap world was rocked by the news of actor Steve Halliwell’s death last year, and ITV chiefs have now confirmed a poignant episode is in the works to pay homage to the beloved actor.
Steve, who became synonymous with the role of Zak from 1994 until his departure in 2023, had been absent from our screens for several months before his passing.
The veteran soap star sadly died on December 15, 2023, at the age of 77 following a prolonged illness, leading to an outpouring of heartfelt tributes from his fellow cast members. In the wake of his death, Emmerdale execs have revealed plans for a special funeral episode to honour Zak Dingle.
(Image: ITV)
Just last month, Lisa Riley, who plays Mandy Dingle, chatted with Lorraine Kelly about the forthcoming tribute episode for the much-loved character, reports the Express.
“We started shooting the memorial episode, actually, Monday just gone (August 12),” Lisa disclosed, expressing how Steve Halliwell had been like a father figure to her.
“And our beloved Steve Halliwell, you know, he’s like my father for years in the show, he taught me so much and we’re doing a dedicated episode for him.”
Lisa continued: “That’s what he deserves. Yeah, he is the ultimate icon of Emmerdale, the king of the Dingle family and he deserves everything and more. We’ll do him proud.”
Fans of the show are now speculating that the iconic character will meet his end this Christmas in what promises to be a heart-wrenching episode.
(Image: (Image: ITV))
Soap buffs on Reddit are buzzing with theories about Zak Dingle’s potential exit from Emmerdale, with one fan speculating: “I feel like Zak’s death may be addressed Christmas/New Year just to finish the year off.”
Another chimed in with some insider info: “The actor who plays Sam said in a tv interview that Zak’s funeral scenes would be filmed in early August”, sparking a reply from a fellow viewer: “I hadn’t heard this so possibly coming to our screens around Christmas time.”
One eagle-eyed Emmerdale enthusiast is betting on Zak’s demise hitting our screens within the next three months, while another reckons it’ll unfold on Christmas Day morning.
(Image: PA)
Their prediction reads like a festive soap script: “It’s Christmas Day, Belle’s birthday. She has just been getting over what happened with Tom. Belle and the family are at the cottage where Zak used to live to celebrate her birthday and Christmas.
“Then Debbie comes in, upset clearly. She says Zak has died and would have rather told them in person than on the phone. Everyone becomes upset and sad.”
The exact details of Zak Dingle’s death is still under wraps and has not yet been confirmed by the ITV soap.
Emmerdale airs weekdays at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
