Emmerdale star Steve Halliwell, who performed Zak Dingle on the long-running cleaning soap for almost three many years, has died aged 77.
The actor made his first look because the Dingle household patriarch in October 1994 and have become synonymous with the present.
His household stated in a press release he “was making us laugh to the end” and died “peacefully with his loved ones around him”.
ITV stated: “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 ideas and prayers are along with his household, associates and family members via this very troublesome time, and we would request that their privateness is revered as they grieve for his loss.
“Steve will forever be synonymous with Emmerdale.
“The proud defender and head of the Dingle household.
“Heart and humour in all he did, it has been and always will be impossible not to smile when you think of him.”
Halliwell’s household stated: “He went to sleep, peacefully with his loved ones around him.
“He was making us snicker to the tip, essentially the most wonderful father and grandfather you could possibly ever want for, household was all the things 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.”
John Whiston, managing director of continuous drama and head of ITV within the north, paid tribute to Halliwell and stated he was “as wonderful off-screen as on”.
He stated: “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 everybody who labored on Emmerdale he was a much-loved good friend and colleague, the undoubted father of the present, but additionally its enjoyable mischievous uncle. We will miss him enormously.”
Source: information.sky.com”