Emmerdale cast: Actor Steve Halliwell reveals health scare amid Zak Dingle return

Emmerdale fans will be grateful to the see the return of Steve Halliwell, 64, who was forced out of action being on the ITV soap having undergone heart surgery. The actor revealed he was fitted with a pacemaker in September which forced him to take five months off work. Now the star has opened up about his return to the soap after a long road of recovery. Speaking to The Sun 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.

“Emmerdale have been brilliant throughout and really looked after me. I did have to spend some time in hospital and it was really funny to see the entire Dingle clan around my bed.

“Everyone has been so considerate and I know it sounds a bit of a cliche, but we really are one big happy family.”

The legendary actor will be making his return to the soap next month.

Steve has played his character Zak since 1994 and is the second longest running cast member on the soap.

His character was recently embroiled in a kidnapping plot after the killer used Zak’s cabin to keep Rebecca White (played by Emily Head) captive.

It appears the Dingle family have been having a rough time on the soap but things seemed to be on the brighter side on a recent episode of the soap.

Last week, Viewers tuned in to see Belle Dingle (Eden Taylor-Draper) and Lydia Hart (Karen Blick) walk into Wishing Well Cottage to be greeted by Sam and a new family member.

“She’s a right feisty one. Say hello to Spamela,” Sam giggled.

Overjoyed by the new pet piglet, Spamela was as excited as Belle and jumped out of Sam’s arm and then ran around the house.

Meanwhile, Emmerdale views tuned into see the aftermath following Cain Dingles (played by Jeff Hordley) arrest on Tuesday night.

Cain arrived back at the farm without being charged for Joe Tate’s (Ned Porteous) murder, the family turned their thoughts to who made a statement to the police.

Everyone was convinced it was Debbie Dingle (Charley Webb) who had told the authorities about Cain’s confession but she denied any involvement.

“So who did then?” Cain questioned and Moira Dingle (Natalie J. Robb) was quick to give the answer.

“Someone else that knows everything…someone who hates you more than enough,” she explained as she stared at her son.

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7pm on ITV.

source: express.co.uk