Steve Halliwell’s Emmerdale co-stars have taken to social media to pen sweet sentiments about the late actor. The news of his death was announced on Friday afternoon.
In a statement issued by ITV, it was revealed that the soap star – who spent 29 years playing Zak Dingle – died peacefully surrounded by his loved ones. The statement read: “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.”
Following the news, the actor’s co-stars have taken to X (formerly Twitter) to pay tribute to the 77-year-old. Lisa Riley, who plays Many Dingle on the long-running soap wrote: “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.”
Actor Darryl Jason said: “R.I.P Emmerdale’s Steve Halliwell, known for playing iconic Zak Dingle in the Yorkshire Dales. I grew up watching @emmerdale and he’s been a joy to watch. Going to miss that Yorkshire accent. My thoughts and prayers are with his family & of course the cast and crew.”
Liam Calland, content operations executive at ITV wrote: “A true @emmerdale icon. What a character Zak Dingle was, everyone knew the name. Nobody wore a Flat Cap as well as Zak, a true Yorkshireman! Fantastically brought to life by Steve Halliwell who was such a lovely guy. RIP.”
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.”
Elsewhere, Duncan Tinselay, drama editor of Metro said: “Zak Dingle will always be one of soap’s greats, and Steve Halliwell was the most humble, caring person to talk to and be around, and gave such consistently iconic performances.
“A huge miss – and sending love to the #Emmerdale family and all who love and know Steve x.”
Following Steve’s death, his family released a further statement: “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.”
After initially joining Emmerdale for a few episodes, Steve went on to become one of the show’s biggest stars, and played the patriarch of the Dingle family, Zak.