ITV Emmerdale character leaves village after worrying news as death tragedy ahead
Concerns have been sparked for Zak Dingle's health this Wednesday in Emmerdale as soap legend Cain Dingle made the decision to leave the eponymous village for Scotland.
Zak Dingle’s on-screen death is looming on the horizon as Cain Dingle made the decision to leave Emmerdale and pay his uncle a visit in Scotland.
Steve Halliwell has not been seen in the ITV village since last year, prior to his heart-breaking death in December, 2023, at the age of 77. The actor was known for portraying the Dingle patriarch since his first appearance in the long-running soap from 1994.
Off-screen, fans of the Yorkshire-based programme have been waiting for the Dales legend to get the send-off he deserves, which was notably teased earlier this year by Mandy Dingle star Lisa Riley.
This Wednesday, September 25, 2024, Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) was caught in the midst of a phone call with his daughter Debbie, who is known to live in Scotland with Zak. Following their conversation, the mechanic told Chas and Belle – who made the decision to report Tom King to the police – that Zak’s health was sparking concern.
Cain announced he was leaving Emmerdale this Wednesday as concerns for Zak’s health have grown (
ITV)
Regular viewers will know this isn’t the first time Zak’s health has been a topic of discussion as he was previously said to be struggling to walk but when Belle (Eden Taylor-Draper) suggested going to Scotland herself, Cain appeared to brush the latest concerns off, assuring he should return within a couple of days.
As mentioned, Lisa Riley spilled the beans on what Emmerdale bosses had in mind for Steve Halliwell’s on-screen tribute as the Dingles are soon set to find out their loveable Zak has breathed his last.
Lisa, 48, spoke to Ranvir Singh on ITV daytime show Lorraine about the upcoming scenes, revealing the cast and crew had filmed them shortly before: “We started shooting the memorial episode, actually, Monday just gone (August 12)”, Lisa first announced, adding Steve Halliwell was like a father to her.
“And our beloved Steve Halliwell, you know, he’s like my father for years in the show, he taught me so much and we’re doing a dedicated episode for him. That’s what he deserves. Yeah, he is the ultimate icon of Emmerdale, the king of the Dingle family and he deserves everything and more. We’ll do him proud.”
Steve Halliwell died on December 15, 2023, at 77 years old after a long period of ill health, prompting many of his co-stars – including Lisa – to pen him emotional tributes. Months after his passing, soap bosses confirmed Emmerdale would air a funeral episode for his character Zak Dingle.
Speaking about what’s to come, producer Sophie Roper told The Mirror and other press: “The Dingles have been at the heart of our show for 30 years now, and will continue to be so.
“We lost Steve recently, so we’re going to be marking Zak’s passing in the coming months with a Dingle funeral. It will be very difficult for a lot of people who work on the show and obviously a lot of our viewers who have grown and love Zak for many, many years – but it will be a hugely fitting tribute for a great character.”