Emmerdale actor Steve Halliwell, best known for playing Zak Dingle in the hit ITV soap, has died at the age of 77.
The soap confirmed the loss of Halliwell on Friday (December 15), revealing he had passed away peacefully.
Having starred in Emmerdale since 1994, he was a pivotal part of the soap as the head of the famous Dingle family.
Announcing Halliwell’s death in a statement, Emmerdale said: "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."
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Halliwell's family also released a statement, confirming he died peacefully while surrounded by relatives.
"He went to sleep, peacefully with his loved ones around him," they said. "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."
Managing Director of Continuing Drama and Head of ITV in the North, John Whiston, also shared fond memories of Halliwell and the work he did on Emmerdale over the years.
"Steve Halliwell was one of those rare human beings who was as wonderful off-screen as on," he said. "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."
Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.
