Emmerdale’s Zak Dingle star Steve Halliwell has died aged 77. A statement from ITV confirming the news reads: “It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that Emmerdale can confirm that Steve Halliwell, our beloved Zak Dingle, has peacefully passed away.
“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.”
A further statement, shared by the actor’s family, also reads: “He went to sleep, peacefully with his loved ones around him. He was making us laugh to the end, the most amazing father and grandfather you could ever wish for, family was everything to him.”
Steve’s loved ones went on to thank the “wonderful staff at St James Hospital and the Wheatfield Hospice for their love and kindness in his final days”. They added: “He didn’t want sadness, just to rejoice in a life well lived.”
After initially joining the soap for a few episodes, Steve went on to become one of the soap’s biggest stars playing the patriarch of the Dingle family for 29 years. Following the news of his death, many have flocked to social media to pay tribute.
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John Whiston, Managing Director of Continuing Drama & Head of ITV in the North, shared: “Steve Halliwell was one of those rare human beings who was as wonderful off screen as on. To millions of Emmerdale viewers he was the brawny but crafty Dingle patriarch who led the clan with a strong fist and a warm heart.
“To everyone who worked on Emmerdale he was a much loved friend and colleague, the undoubted father of the show, but also its fun mischievous uncle. We will miss him enormously.”
A fan on X, formerly known as Twitter, wrote: “A true @Emmerdale icon. What a character Zak Dingle was, everyone knew the name. Nobody wore a Flat Cap as well as Zak, a true Yorkshireman! Fantastically brought to life by Steve Halliwell who was such a lovely guy. RIP.”
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Another wrote: “When you think of Emmerdale, you think of Zak Dingle. Truly heartbreaking news. Thoughts go out to Steve’s family and friends and all who worked with him.”
Steve, who also had a brief stint in Coronation Street, described his role in Emmerdale as “the greatest break in my professional life” during an interview in 2010. His comment came after fans feared he had quit the soap due to him taking some time off.
Setting the record straight, the actor denied his break was “about salary or storylines” as reported, adding: “I love Zak, I love Emmerdale, but I’ve asked for a spell out to spend some quality time with my family and friends.”
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