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 beloved actor spent 29 years playing head of the Dingle family Zak in the popular ITV soap.

Steve's family confirmed today he had died peacefully surrounded by his loved ones.

They said: "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."

He sadly leaves behind daughter Charlotte Halliwell, who followed in her father's footsteps and set up 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 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."

Steve was born in Bury, Lancashire, in 1946 and first began his career in cotton and paper mills as an apprentice engineer.

After training at the Mountview Theatre School, he appeared in a string of TV shows including Threads and Crown Court.

Steve found himself in prison for two weeks after he was found sleeping rough “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 looting an off-licence with the gang he used to be part of.

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

A witness described seeing a bearded youth, which led to Steve getting arrested.

He said he "took the rap and got sent to a detention centre for three months".

He would go on to become a household name when he landed the role of Zak - the patriarch of the Dingle family - on Emmerdale in 1994.

Sadly, Steve was forced to take time away from the screen in 2003 after attending an alcohol rehabilitation centre.

He had a further period off in 2018 after undergoing heart surgery and having a pacemaker fitted.

Talking to The Sun before his return, he said: "I’m back at work in a few weeks and feeling fitter than ever after having a pacemaker fitted in September. It’s done me the world of good and I feel fantastic."

Tributes from his heartbroken colleagues have started to pour in following the heartbreaking news.

Mandy Dingle star Lisa Riley took to Instagram to pay tribute to her on-screen uncle, writing: "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.

"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."

Reacting to the news, Kelvin Fletcher - who played Andy Sugden in the soap, said: "What a man and what a legacy. So many incredible memories. We had some fun. God Bless."

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."