Emmerdale Zak Dingle star Steve Halliwell's life as ITV soap bids emotional farewell

Emmerdale is preparing to bid farewell to the beloved character Zak Dingle this week, following the passing of actor Steve Halliwell. Steve, who portrayed Zak on the popular Yorkshire-based soap for nearly 30 years, sadly passed away at the age of 77 in December 2023.

The Dingle clan, which first graced our screens in 1994 and has since grown into the largest family on the ITV show, will gather to remember Zak as they receive the heartbreaking news of his death in upcoming episodes. Steve joined the cast in October 1994 and quickly became a central figure within the Dingle family.

Despite initially being intended as a temporary character, Zak evolved into one of the most recognisable faces in the village. Off-screen, Steve led a vibrant life filled with ups and downs, experiences he channelled into his portrayal of Zak.

He faced homelessness and even spent time in prison before finding fame. Born in Lancashire in March 1946 to parents Jenny and Fred Halliwell, Steve was raised in Bury alongside his older brother Clive.

Prior to pursuing acting, he trained as an apprentice engineer and held various jobs before enrolling at Mountview Theatre School. Before his Emmerdale days, Steve struggled with alcoholism and depression, battles that cast a shadow over his life for five decades, reports Leeds Live.

In a candid interview with TV Times, Steve Halliwell, who plays Zak Dingle on Emmerdale, reflected on his own turbulent past that mirrored his character's on-screen struggles. He revealed: "Everything the Dingles had been through, I had too trouble with the police, fighting, being evicted. And if there were any aspects of Zak's life I hadn't lived, I knew people who had."

The actor opened up about a time when he was forced to sleep rough in London, recalling how he "got very thin" and experienced extreme hunger.

Steve recounted a particularly difficult period when it was illegal to be homeless, sharing that he was arrested for taking shelter in an empty government building. He elaborated: "I was sent to Ashford remand prison for two weeks and then I was put on probation and sent home."

He also touched upon another brush with the law, which was connected to his previous involvement with a gang. Steve disclosed that after a gang member smashed a shop window and stole alcohol, the police were informed of a "bearded youth running away" Despite not being the culprit, he "took the rap" and ended up serving three months in a detention centre.

Emmerdale has been a turning point for Steve, as he channelled his experiences into his portrayal of Zak Dingle. However, his battle with alcohol led him to check into rehab in 2003, resulting in a temporary departure from the show, The Express has reported.

In 2018, the actor stepped back from Emmerdale to focus on his health, undergoing heart surgery and the fitting of a pacemaker. After pausing during the pandemic, fans celebrated Steve's return to the show in January 2021.

Steve and his wife Valerie once parted ways in the 90s before rekindling their romance later. The actor had found love originally with his childhood sweetheart Susan.

Father to three, including his actress daughter Charlotte, born in 1984, Steve saw his legacy continue as she entered the entertainment world. Beyond acting, Charlotte launched Interchange Performing Arts in 2017, fostering drama talent.

On December 15, 2023, ITV released a statement mourning Steves passing: "It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that Emmerdale can confirm that our beloved Zak Dingle, has peacefully passed away."

The tribute continued: "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."

Concluding with reverence, the statement read: "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."

teve's family released a heartfelt statement after his passing stating: "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."

"We would like to thank the wonderful staff at St James Hospital and the Wheatfield Hospice for their love and kindness in his final days. He didn't want sadness, just to rejoice in a life well lived."

Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 at 7.30pm and available to stream from 7am on ITVX