EMMERDALE fans are about to say a heartbreaking goodbye to one of the show’s best-loved characters after the actor who played him passed away last year.
The soap’s bosses previously revealed they would be laying Zak Dingle to rest on screen after Steve Halliwell’s death in December 2023.
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Cain Dingle prepares to visit his dad Zak in ScotlandCredit: ITV
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Steve Halliwell, who played Zak Dingle, died last yearCredit: PA
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Emmerdale bosses intend to give his character a fitting send-off Credit: ITV
The sad story began to develop when Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) decided to leave the village and visit his uncle Zak in Scotland.
He set out on the trip after receiving a worried phone call from his daughter Debbie, who lives with Zak.
During Wednesday’s episode, Cain revealed to Chas and Bella Dingle that Zak’s health had taken a worrying turn.
After hearing the news, Belle wanted to visit her dad alone, but Cain downplayed the situation, assuring them that he would only be gone for a few days.
Steve Halliwell revived the character of Zak in 1994.
Zak appeared in June 2023 for the last time before Steve took a break due to health issues before finally dying in December at the age of 77.
In a statement published by his family at the time, it says: “He made us laugh until the end.
“The most wonderful father and grandfather you could wish for, his family was everything.
“We would like to thank the wonderful staff at St James’s Hospital and Wheatfield Hospice for their love and kindness in his final days. He wanted no sadness, just the joy of a life well lived.”
Emmerdale bosses have previously confirmed that his character will be laid to rest this year in a “very fitting” tribute.
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Soap producer Sophie Roper said: “The Dingles have been at the heart of our show for 30 years and will continue to do so.”
“We recently lost Steve, so in the coming months we will mark Zak’s death with a Dingle funeral.”
“It will be very difficult for a lot of people who work on the show and obviously for a lot of our viewers who have grown up and loved Zak for many, many years – but it will be a very fitting tribute to a great character.”
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