ITV Emmerdale Zak Dingle's co-stars share tributes as actor Steve Halliwell dies

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Emmerdale actor Steve Halliwell, who played Zak Dingle on the ITV soap, sadly died on Friday as his family paid a heartbreaking tribute to the "most amazing father" following the news of his death aged 77.The acting icon had nearly been starring on the show for three decades when he died as his family issued a statement on Friday, which read: "He was making us laugh to the end.

The most amazing father and grandfather you could ever wish for, family was everything to him."They also paid tribute to staff at St James's Hospital in Leeds and Wheatfield Hospice "for their love and kindness in his final days". "He didn't want sadness, just to rejoice in a life well lived," the statement added.Since the sad news broke, his on-screen family the Dingle's have been paying their tributes to the actor online including his on-screen niece Mandy Dingle, played by actress Lisa Riley.On Instagram, she wrote: "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.'”Sam Dingle, played by James Hooton, was playing the role of Zak's son since 1995 as he also penned a touching tribute to his on-screen dad who remained a good friend. Join the Daily Record's WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. He wrote on Twitter: “A soap icon and a great friend has passed away today!