Emmerdale's Lisa Riley talks about Zak Dingle memorial episode
Emmerdale fans have been bracing themselves for the heartbreaking episode to mark Zak Dingle's death, with some speculating his passing will coincide with Christmas.
Actor Steve Halliwell sadly passed away last year and ITV soap bosses have confirmed that a special episode will air to honour the star.
Steve portrayed Zak on the show from 1994 until his death in 2023, though he hadn't appeared in the show months prior to his passing.
The actor died on December 15, 2023, at 77 years old after a long period of ill health, prompting many of his co-stars to pen him emotional tributes. Months after his passing, soap bosses announced Emmerdale would air a funeral episode for his character Zak Dingle.
Last month, Mandy Dingle actress Lisa Riley appeared on Lorraine and spoke about the upcoming memorial episode dedicated to the beloved character.
"We started shooting the memorial episode, actually, Monday just gone (August 12)," Lisa first announced, adding Steve Halliwell was like a father to her.
"And our beloved Steve Halliwell, you know, he's like my father for years in the show, he taught me so much and we're doing a dedicated episode for him."
Lisa added: "That's what he deserves. Yeah, he is the ultimate icon of Emmerdale, the king of the Dingle family and he deserves everything and more. We'll do him proud."
Emmerdale viewers are predicting that the legendary character will be killed off at Christmas in a devastating episode.
Taking to Reddit, one soap fan wrote: "I feel like Zak’s death may be addressed Christmas/New Year just to finish the year off."
While a second added: "The actor who plays Sam said in a tv interview that Zak’s funeral scenes would be filmed in early August", as one person replied: "I hadn't heard this so possibly coming to our screens around Christmas time." (sic)
One Emmerdale viewer predicted Zak's death to air in the next three months while, as another guessed, it would happen on Christmas Day morning.
They wrote: "It’s Christmas Day, Belle’s birthday. She has just been getting over what happened with Tom. Belle and the family are at the cottage where Zak used to live to celebrate her birthday and Christmas.
"Then Debbie comes in, upset clearly. She says Zak has died and would have rather told them in person than on the phone. Everyone becomes upset and sad."
The details surrounding Zak Dingle's on-screen death are yet to be confirmed by the ITV soap.
Emmerdale airs weekdays at 7.30pm on ITV and ITVX.
