EMMERDALE fans paid tribute to the soap’s longest-serving star Steve Halliwell.
The beloved actor played the head of the Dingle family, Zak Dingle, in the popular ITV soap for 29 years.
Steve’s family confirmed today that he had passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones.
The tragic loss has left Emmerdale viewers in tears, as the soap failed to pay tribute to the star during the first episode since his death.
Viewers were expecting a heartfelt on screen message.
An outpouring of viewers flocked to social media to share their own sympathies, with one writing: “I’m a bit disappointed that something couldn’t be put at the end of the episode for the late but great Steve Halliwell.”
A second gushed: “No sign of a tribute to Steve Halliwell (Zak Dingle) at the end? Better have one on Monday.”
A third said: “I think the tribute to Steve Halliwell will come on Monday – it’s too soon for them to edit it into tonight’s episode.”
Another penned: “Only just seeing the news about Steve Halliwell – what an actor and what a character he created in Zak. RIP.”
Earlier today, Emmerdale said of Steve: “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.
“Steve will forever be synonymous with Emmerdale. 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.”
Steve’s family shared the heartbreaking news today, stating: “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.”
Steve was born in Lancashire, in 1946 and first began his career in cotton and paper mills as an apprentice engineer.
He later trained at the Mountview Theatre School and would eventually star in a string of programmes including Cracker, Heartbeat and Coronation Street.
The Zak Dingle star sadly leaves behind daughter Charlotte Halliwell, who followed in her father’s footsteps and set up Interchange Performing Arts in Bury.
