Emmerdale fans emotional after sad Zak Dingle scene weeks after actor's death
Emmerdale favourite Zak Dingle was mentioned in the latest episode of the ITV soap, in scenes likely filmed prior to actor Steve Halliwell's death.
Last month the sad news broke that soap legend Steve, who had played Zak for nearly three decades, had passed away. On Monday night, the latest episode saw one Dingle family member telling someone about their Uncle Zak, teasing a possible return the village for the soap icon.
With filming around six weeks in advance of transmission, it's likely the scenes were filmed prior to the news breaking that actor Steve had passed away. Just a few weeks on from the loss, Zak's name popped up in a scene involving Charity Dingle and her newly discovered grandson Oscar, where she talked of Oscar meeting her Uncle Zak.
Viewers noted the nod to the character, knowing that offscreen actor Steve was sadly no longer with us. Charity had said to Oscar: "Oh, wait until you meet Uncle Zak. Now there's a character, he's up in Scotland at the minute."
As the scene aired, viewers shared their sadness knowing that Oscar would never get to meet the soap legend. One fan posted on X: "Uncle Zak," as another said: "Zak mention" with a a broken heart emoji.
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Emmerdale fans were saddened as Zak Dingle was mentioned in a scene (ITV)A third added: "Uncle Zak mention!!!!" with two crying emojis, as another said: "Zak mention! Oh god the episode of his death being announced/Funeral is going to be sad when the time comes at some point this year."
A statement announced the actor's death on 15 December, leaving soap fans devastated. Steve passed away at home while surrounded by his family at the age of 77 and after 29 years of service on the ITV show.
In a statement announcing his death to fans, a spokesperson for ITV said it was 'hard not to smile' when thinking of the star. They said: “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.”
Charity told Oscar about Uncle Zak (ITV)His family added: “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.”
On 18 December, the episode began with a tribute by the ITV voiceover, who dedicated the latest visit to the Dales to him. He said: "Tonight's episode of Emmerdale is dedicated to Steve Halliwell who played Zak Dingle."
At the end of the episode as the credits rolled, the show paid a touching tribute. With a message reading: "Dedicated to Steve Halliwell", the show finished with an image of Zak actor Steve flashing up on the screen after his death.
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX, with an hour-long episode on Thursdays.* Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on , , , , and .
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