Last week, Emmerdale lost a cherished family member when it was revealed that actor Steve Helliwell, who portrayed Zak Dingle, had passed away.
Following the announcement of actor Steve Halliwell’s passing last week, who portrayed Zak Dingle on the ITV soap opera for decades, Emmerdale paid a profound and moving tribute to him. Steve’s family announced his passing on Friday. He was 77 years old and had appeared on the show for 29 years.
There was not enough time to edit a tribute to the actor into the show after the news of his passing was revealed on Friday afternoon.The cast of the show, however, did honor their friend and take a moment to remember the actor and his career throughout the years.
The ITV voiceover gave a moving tribute to him at the start of tonight’s episode, dedicating the most recent trip to the Dales to him.
He stated: “Tonight’s episode of Emmerdale is dedicated to Steve Halliwell who played Zak Dingle.”
“Dedicated to Steve Halliwell” was the heartfelt remembrance that the show shared as the credits rolled at the conclusion of the episode.
After his passing, actor Steve from Zak appeared on screen as the program came to an end.
Fans of the show commented on the tributes on their X accounts, which were formerly known as Twitter. One user, @mikepriestley13, wrote: “A beautiful tribute from @emmerdale for Steve Haliwell. I’m still in shock over Steve’s passing. The legend of Emmerdale. Zak Dingle.
“A tribute to Steve Halliwell aka Zak Dingle #Emmerdale,” @laurenmiller30 said.
The user @MickJohnPNEFC said, “This ones for Zak #emmerdale.”
“Ahh, they’re dedicating tonight’s ep to Steve aka Zak #Emmerdale,” said @princessmel_87. (sic)
“It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that Emmerdale can confirm that Steve Halliwell, our beloved Zak Dingle, has peacefully passed away,” an ITV spokesperson said in a statement announcing his death on Friday.
“His family, friends, and loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers during this extremely trying time, and we kindly ask that their privacy be respected while they process his loss.
“Forever, Emmerdale will be associated with Steve. The head of the Dingle family and a proud defender. It has always been impossible not to smile when you think of him because of his heart and sense of humor in everything he did.
“He went to sleep, peacefully with his loved ones around him,” his family continued. Family meant the world to him, and he was keeping us laughing all the way to the end. He was the most wonderful grandfather and father you could ask for.
“We want to express our gratitude to the amazing staff at Wheatfield Hospice and St. James Hospital for their compassion and love during his last days. He only wanted to celebrate a life well lived; he didn’t want sorrow.
