Emmerdale aired a special tribute to Steve during the latest episode of the ITV soap (Picture: ITV)
Emmerdale has paid tribute to Steve Halliwell just days after his death at the age of 77.
The Zak Dingle star died ‘peacefully’, according to a statement shared by the ITV soap last week.
‘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,’ read a statement from the long-running serial drama.
‘‘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.’
Following Steve’s death, Emmerdale has paid tribute to the star on-screen, with card marking his passing at the end of Monday’s (December 18) edition of the serial.
‘Dedicated to Steve Halliwell,’ it said.
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Since the news broke fans have been reflecting Steve’s time in Emmerdale as Dingle patriarch Zak, including his final ever scene in the show.
Zak’s last appearance came in June when the much-loved patriarch encountered Dan Spencer (Liam Fox) while out on a mobility scooter.
As Zak jokes that the potholes on the roads are enough and that he’ll ‘give the ring of fire a miss’, Dan expresses how nice it is to see his neighbour out and about.
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Zak made his Emmerdale debut in 1994, shortly after the serial’s rebrand from Emmerdale Farm. A former bareknuckle fighter, Zak made his presence felt straight away, challenging Ned Glover to a fight.
The legendary character would go on to feature in numerous huge storylines, including a powerful one dealing with his mental health.
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
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A touching tribute to one of soap’s finest.