[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.

[ChalkOutlineMan]

Very sad news. I wasn't an Emmerdale guy, but it was always on in my home growing up and I still regularly saw bits and pieces of it now and again. This guy had to be one of the most iconic faces of the show. It's a shame to see such a fixture of British television go out. R.I.P.

[Vanessa]

That's really sad. He's been such a massive part of Emmerdale for so long.

[smudgie]

I remember him as PC Blue in the original All Creatures Great and Small.
R.I.P.

[Mystic Mock]

RIP

[Redway]

I know he was ill but it’s still kind of unexpected. RIP.

[arista]

[Cherie]

Aw he has not been on the show for a while, I didn't realise he had been ill, I hope they write in a good send off for him

[hijaxers]

Originally Posted by Cherie

Aw he has not been on the show for a while, I didn't realise he had been ill, I hope they write in a good send off for him

Yep, he deserves big acolades ,loved how he used go get away with everything