It looks like the Emmerdale legend will have a fitting send-off when an iconic character is killed off the soap.
A leading member of the Dingle family will die in the ITV show later this year following the death of the actor who played him in real life.
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Emmerdale is set to feature Zak Dingle’s character in an upcoming episode of Credit: PA
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He was the head of the Dingle clan
Steve Halliwell played Zak Dingle in the show from 1994 until last year, the year of his death.
Zak appeared in June 2023 for the last time before Steve took a break due to health issues before finally dying in December.
Now Emmerdale bosses have confirmed his character will be laid to rest in a “very fitting” tribute later this year.
Speaking to The Sun and other media outlets, brand new show producer Sophie Roper dropped plans for how the show will deal with Zak’s death.
Sophie said: “The Dingles have been at the heart of our show for 30 years and will continue to do so.
“And as many of you know, of course, we recently lost Steve and the very sad passing of Steve.
“Therefore, in the coming months we will be commemorating Zac’s passing, the iconic character of Zac Dingle, with a Dingle funeral.”
She continued: “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 Zac for many, many years.
“But it will be a very fitting tribute to such a legendary character coming up.”
Actor Steve was 77 when he died last year and his family and Emmerdale have released statements to confirm his death.
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Confirming 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 passed away peacefully.”
“All our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and loved ones through this very difficult time, and we would ask that their privacy be respected as they grieve his loss.”
“Steve will forever be synonymous with Emmerdale. A proud defender and head of the Dingle family. Heart and humor in everything he did, it was and always will be impossible not to smile when you think of him.”
Fans have already begun to speculate that his death could be connected to the current heartbreaking plot of his daughter Bella’s abuse with husband Tom King.
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It looks like the scenes of Zak’s funeral will be aired later this year. Credit: Rex
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