[Kate!]

Steve Halliwell, the actor who played Emmerdale’s Zak Dingle for nearly three decades, has died at the age of 77, ITV said. Bury actor Halliwell, who made his first appearance on the ITV serial drama in October 1994, died peacefully with his family around him, they said in a statement issued by the broadcaster.

The statement from ITV 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.