Emmerdale legend Steve Halliwell has died at the age of 77.
The actor, who was known to millions for his portrayal of Zak Dingle in the ITV soap, died peacefully, according to a statement released by his family.
‘He went to sleep, peacefully with his loved ones around him,’ read the statement. ‘He was making us laugh to the end, the most amazing father and grandfather you could ever wish for, family was everything to him.
‘We would like to thank the wonderful staff at St James Hospital and the Wheatfield Hospice for their love and kindness in his final days. He didn’t want sadness, just to rejoice in a life well lived.’
Emmerdale paid tribute to Steve, writing: ‘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.
‘Steve will forever be synonymous with Emmerdale. The proud defender and head of the Dingle family. Heart and humour in all he did, it has been and always will be impossible not to smile when you think of him.’
John Whiston, Managing Director of Continuing Drama and Head of ITV in the North, said: ‘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.’
Steve kickstarted his acting career in the late 1970s and would appear in numerous TV series over the subsequent two decades, including Heartbeat, Threads and even Coronation Street, before landing the role that would define his career in Zachariah ‘Zak’ Dingle.
Zak made his Emmerdale debut in 1994, shortly after the serial’s rebrand from Emmerdale Farm. A former bareknuckle fighter, Zak made his presence felt straight away, challenging Ned Glover to a fight.
The legendary patriarch mellowed somewhat over the years, and featured in countless storylines, including the surprise birth of daughter Belle, the revelation that he was behind the attack on Cain Dingle and a powerful narrative that dealt with his mental health.
Zak also lost his son Butch in a bus crash, beat testicular cancer, disappeared off to Chile, and supported son Sam through his wife Alice’s terminal illness.
But it’s undoubtedly his relationship with wife Lisa (Jane Cox) that remains his greatest achievement. Zak and Lisa undeniably became one of soap’s most iconic couples, enduring many a hardship over three decades, including Zak’s controversial affair with Joanie.
Despite all the trauma, however, there is no question that they were each other’s soulmates and even re-married back in 2019, just shortly before Lisa tragically died.
Following Lisa’s death and the Covid-19 pandemic, Zak appeared in a recurring capacity, popping up every now and again, with his final appearance having come in June of this year, when he crossed paths with Dan Spencer (Liam Fox) on an impressive scooter.
Steve created a true TV icon in Zak Dingle and he leaves behind a legacy that will live on in the minds of soap fans of all ages, with memories of some of his most iconic moments etched into our hearts forever.
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
