Dingle stars lead Emmerdale cast tributes to Zak Dingle icon Steve Halliwell

Tributes are being made following the news Emmerdale legend Steve Halliwell has died.

The actor, best known for playing Zak Dingle in the show, died ‘peacefully with his loved ones around him’, according to a statement made by his family.

It read: ‘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.’

The actor died surrounded by his family

Over the years, Steve’s character Zak has been involved in some high-profile storylines, including the surprise birth of daughter Belle Dingle (Eden Taylor-Draper) and the revelation that he was behind the attack on Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley).

But it’s undoubtedly his relationship with wife and soulmate Lisa Dingle (Jane Cox) that remains in viewers’ hearts and minds.

As an Emmerdale icon, Steve understandably built up a lot of connections while working on the show.

This has prompted many famous faces to pay tribute to the acting star.

Lisa Riley, who plays Mandy Dingle, wrote on Instagram: ‘My dearest Steve….love you so much 💛💛you are now finally at peace. Thank you for years of laughter, you were still laughing right up to the end.

‘Adored, loved,respected by us all, a LEGEND in my eyes that’s for sure-we have stories and memories to last for many more years to come. Sleep well Stevie-our prayers of strength go to Charlotte, Val and Angelina at this really difficult time…our extended family 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 “That boy from Bury did good’.

Danny Miller, who recently returned to Emmerdale as Aaron Dingle, posted a touching Instagram message: ‘From day one he took me under his wing and helped guide me on and off set. He never failed to effortlessly make me and everyone else corpse with a simple look or grunt or “”mmmm EH?!”

‘The King of the “double takes” and the King of The Dingles. We’ll miss you mate. On and off set. Rest well Steve and leave one in the pump for me.’

Hayley Tamaddon, who played Del Dingle, said: ‘This is sad news. He was a wonderful man. We had many a giggle together when I was in the show. The Dingles have lost a hero’.

Also sharing a heartfelt message was Adam Thomas, best known for his role as Adam Barton in the show. He wrote: ‘Wow…got me this one! What a lovely man. Sleep well’.

Amelia Flanagan, who portrays Marlon Dingle’s (Mark Charnock) daughter April said: ‘He was so amazing. Always gave the best advice and had so many stories to tell.’

Fans of the show are also sharing messages on social media.

One Twitter/X user captured the love for Steve and Zak Dingle perfectly by saying: ‘I really liked Zak, he has been missed and will always be missed RIP’, while another simply wrote: ‘Rip steve Halliwell … You played the legendary Zak Dingle like no other could.’

John Whiston, Managing Director of Continuing Drama & Head of ITV in the North, said: ‘Steve Halliwell was one of those rare human beings who was as wonderful off screen as on.

‘To millions of Emmerdale viewers he was the brawny but crafty Dingle patriarch who led the clan with a strong fist and a warm heart.

‘To everyone who worked on Emmerdale he was a much loved friend and colleague, the undoubted father of the show, but also its fun mischievous uncle. We will miss him enormously.’