Emmerdale cast share tributes to Steve Halliwell following death
The Emmerdale cast have shared their tributes to Steve Halliwell following the news of his death.
Earlier today (December 15), the ITV soap confirmed that Halliwell, who had starred in Emmerdale since 1994, had passed away peacefully at the age of 77. The actor played the role Zak Dingle, head of the famous Dingle family.
Several of Halliwell's co-stars have now shared tributes to the actor on social media, with Danny Miller, James Hooton and Lisa Riley among those paying their respects.
"Like many, I knew him as Uncle Zak but from what I’ve heard Steve was not only a talented actor but a terrific man. My thoughts and condolences are with all his friends and family," Rachael Gill-Davis (who plays Gail Loman) wrote on Twitter/X.
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While Riley, who plays Mandy Dingle, called the actor a "legend" in a touching tribute on Instagram, writing: "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."
Hooton (who plays Sam Dingle) wrote on X: "A soap icon and a great friend has passed away today! Steve Halliwell was the first person I met when I walked through the door into the Emmerdale studios and we remained friends until the end!
"A truly loved character and a strong proud man, RIP Steve you will be sadly missed."
"Really sad news. RIP lovely Steve," added Sandra Marvin (who played Jessie Dingle from 2017 to 2019).
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Miller (who plays Aaron Dingle) called Halliwell the "King of the Dingles" on Instagram, writing: "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."
"Glorious, glorious Steve, beloved Zak. The show’s father. Just a wonderful man. What a privilege it was to have worked with you," added Emmerdale writer and This Morning soap expert Sharon Marshall on X.
Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.
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