In recent years, the Emmerdale family has bid farewell to several beloved actors who have left an indelible mark on the enduring soap.
As one of Britain's most cherished long-standing dramas, Emmerdale has been captivating viewers since its inception in 1972. The show's rich tapestry of storylines continues to enthral audiences.
The departure of these actors signifies not only the loss of remarkable talent but also the figures who became akin to family for millions of nightly viewers. Their performances have etched unforgettable moments into the series, deeply resonating with fans.
Following the recent tribute to Zak Dingle after the real-life actor's passing, we reflect on other stars from the show who are sadly no longer with us.
Steve Halliwell - Zak Dingle
Steve Halliwell, who portrayed the legendary Zak Dingle, passed away on December 15, 2023, aged 77. Steve made his Emmerdale debut in 1994, and his rugged yet tender character swiftly won over viewers.
As the head of the Dingle clan, Zak was a symbol of resilience, loyalty, and a profound bond with the land and village life. Over nearly three decades, Steve's performances vividly depicted Zak's trials, from mental health struggles to familial disputes and romantic entanglements.
His final scenes, aired in mid-2023, offered a touching goodbye, and his loss was deeply mourned by his co-stars who recalled him as a generous and kind-hearted figure on set.
Meg Johnson - Pearl Ladderbanks
Meg Johnson, the actress behind the lively Pearl Ladderbanks from 2003 until her retirement in 2020, sadly passed away on July 1, 2023, aged 86.
Pearl was a vibrant character, recognised for her eccentric attire, playful humour, and knack for getting embroiled in village drama. Meg's portrayal lent a certain charm and humanity to the role, enabling viewers to connect with Pearl's challenges, especially in storylines revolving around ageing and vulnerability.
Off-camera, Meg was remembered as an absolute professional with a keen sense of humour and a warm personality.
Dale Meeks - Simon Meredith
Actor Dale Meeks, who portrayed the friendly Simon Meredith from 2003 to 2006, tragically died on April 22, 2023, at just 47 years old. During his stint on Emmerdale, Simon was a relatable and grounded character, with his relationship with Nicola Blackstock being a key part of his storyline.
Beyond the soap, Dale was a versatile actor with a diverse career that included earlier roles in Byker Grove and performances in various theatre productions, including the West End.
His sudden and premature death sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, with tributes flooding in from friends and fans who remembered him as a gifted performer with a contagiously warm personality.
Sam Gannon - Kev
Emmerdale's Sam Gannon, known for his role as Kev in 2019, tragically passed away on August 2, 2022, at the tender age of 31. Despite his short stint on the soap, Sam's portrayal of the jovial and kind-hearted Kev resonated with viewers.
Off-camera, he was recognised for his love of music and theatre, and his mentoring of budding actors. His sudden death while visiting family in California sent ripples of shock through his close circle and the Emmerdale fraternity.
Tributes poured in, painting a picture of a promising young talent whose premature departure has left a void in the performing arts sphere.
Paula Tilbrook - Betty Eagleton
The beloved Paula Tilbrook, who breathed life into the character of the feisty yet endearing Betty Eagleton from 1994 to 2015, sadly passed away on December 1, 2019, aged 89.
Betty was adored by fans for her penchant for chatter and her deep-rooted friendships within the village, especially with Seth Armstrong. Paula's portrayal of Betty was imbued with warmth, wit, and genuineness, making her one of the most cherished characters in Emmerdale's annals.
Post-retirement, Paula led a peaceful life, but her memory lived on in the hearts of fans. Her passing triggered a wave of sorrow and nostalgic reminiscences of her time on Emmerdale.
Freddie Jones - Sandy Thomas
Freddie Jones, the actor who portrayed Sandy Thomas from 2005 to 2018, sadly passed away on July 9, 2019, aged 91. Renowned for his illustrious career spanning film, television, and theatre, Freddie brought a heartwarming touch to the role of Ashley Thomas's father, Sandy.
Sandy was a beacon of wisdom and gentleness in the village, often dispensing advice to his son and fellow villagers. Freddie's depiction of the character grappling with the trials of aging and grief deeply touched the audience.
Off-screen, Freddie was fondly remembered as a gracious and humble individual who inspired a multitude of actors through his unwavering commitment to acting.
