Steve Halliwell dead at 77: Emmerdale actor who starred as Zak Dingle for almost three decades passes away

EMMERDALE’S longest-serving cast member Steve Halliwell has tragically died aged 77.

The much-loved actor spent 29 years playing head of the Dingle family Zak in the popular ITV soap.

Steve Halliwell has tragically passed away Credit: ITV

He played Zak Dingle for 29 years

Steve’s family confirmed today that he died peacefully surrounded by his loved ones.

They said: “He kept us laughing 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.”

Unfortunately, he leaves behind his daughter Charlotte Halliwell, who followed in her father’s footsteps and founded Interchange Performing Arts in Bury.

Emmerdale also paid tribute to Steve, who also starred in Cracker, Heartbeat and Coronation Street.

They 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.”

Steve was born in Bury, Lancashire in 1946 and started his career in cotton and paper mills as an engineering apprentice.

After training at Mountview Theater School, he appeared in a number of TV shows including Threads and Crown Court.

Steve found himself in jail two weeks after he was found sleeping “in an empty government building”, explaining “back then it was illegal to be homeless”.

He said: “I was sent to Ashford remand prison for two weeks and then I was put on probation and sent home.”

On another occasion, he was arrested after robbing an unauthorized area with the gang he belonged to.

He explained that the member “threw a brick through the window” and they ran off with the drinks.

A witness described seeing a bearded young man, which led to Steve’s arrest.

He said he was “terminated and sent to detention for three months”.

He would later become a household name when he was cast as Zak – the patriarch of the Dingle family – on Emmerdale in 1994.

Unfortunately, Steve was forced to take time away from the screen in 2003 after attending an alcohol rehab center.

He had another break in 2018 after heart surgery and the installation of a pacemaker.

Speaking to The Sun ahead of his return, he said: “I’m back at work in a few weeks and I’m feeling better than ever after having a pacemaker fitted in September. It’s done a great job and I feel fantastic.”

After the heartbreaking news, tributes began pouring in from his heartbroken colleagues.

Mandy Dingle star Lisa Riley paid tribute to her on-screen uncle on Instagram, writing: “My dearest Steve… I love you so much. You are finally at peace now. Thank you for the years of laughter, you were still laughing right to the end.

“Adored, loved, respected by us all, a LEGEND in my eyes that’s for sure – we have stories and memories that will last for many years to come. Sleep well Stevie – our prayers for strength go out to Charlotte, Val and Angelina at this really difficult time …our extended family.”

Reacting to the news, Kelvin Fletcher – who played Andy Sugden in the soap, said: “What a man and what a legacy. So many amazing memories. We had some fun. God bless.”

John Whiston, director of continuing drama and head of ITV North, said: “Steve Halliwell was one of those rare human beings who was as wonderful off screen as he was on it.

“To millions of Emmerdale viewers, he was the strong but cunning patriarch of Dingle who led the clan with a firm fist and a warm heart.

“He was a beloved friend and colleague to everyone who worked on Emmerdale, the undoubted father of the show, but also its fun mischievous uncle. He will be sorely missed.”