Heartbroken Emmerdale stars past and present pay tribute to Zak Dingle actor

15 December 2023 , 15:06

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The beloved actor passed away peacefully, his family said

Heartbroken Emmerdale stars past and present, including Lisa Riley, Kelvin Fletcher and Adam Thomas, have paid tribute to Steve Halliwell.

It was announced on Friday that the iconic actor, who played Zak Dingle on the ITV soap for 29 years, had passed away at the age of 77. His family confirmed the news in a statement, and revealed that Steve had died peacefully at a hospice in Leeds.

“He went to sleep, peacefully with his loved ones around him. 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,” they wrote.

The beloved Emmerdale star, seen here with Lisa Riley, has died at the age of 77

Emmerdale bosses also released a heartbreaking statement, as they paid tribute to the much-loved star, who had been a comforting fixture on the long-running soap for almost three decades. “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,” the statement read.

Tributes from his heartbroken colleagues have also poured in, with Lisa Riley, who played Steve’s on-screen niece Mandy Dingle, taking to social media to share a touching post. “My dearest Steve….love you so much you are now finally at peace. Thank you for years of laughter, you were still laughing right up to the end,” she wrote on Instagram.

EastEnders' Jake Wood's snap of son has fans pointing out the pair's likeness

James, who plays Sam on the soap, spoke of his heartbreak over Steve's death (ITV)

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

Former Emmerdale star Kevin Fletcher, who played Andy Sugden, said: “What a man and what a legacy. So many incredible memories. We had some fun. God Bless.”

Hayley Tamaddon worked with Steve on the soap until 2007, and shared a sweet tribute to the late star

James Hooton, who played his on-screen son Sam Dingle, paid tribute to the beloved star with a post on X. “A soap icon and a great friend has passed away today. Steve Halliwell was the first person I met when I walked through the door into the Emmerdale studios and we remained friends until the end!” he sweetly shared. “A truly loved character and a strong proud man, RIP Steve you will be sadly missed.”

Michelle Hardwick, who stars as Vanessa, said: "A wonderful man, will be greatly missed. Thinking of his family at this sad time, rest in peace Steve."

Fans have been left devastated over Steve's death (Andrew Boyce)

Hayley Tamaddon, who played Del Dingle in the soap until 2007, wrote on her Instagram Story: “This is sad news. He was a wonderful man. We had many a giggle together when I was in the show. The Dingles have lost a hero. Sending love and condolences to his family and friends,” she wrote.

Adam Thomas, who played Adam Barton on the soap from 2009 to 2018, was stunned by the news, and wrote a heartbreaking post on his Instagram Story. “Wow, got me this one! What a lovely man. Sleep well.”

Emma Wilson