AN Emmerdale legend looks set to have a fitting send-off when the iconic character is killed off the soap opera.
The major Dingle family member will die on theĀ ITVĀ show later this year following the real-life passing of the actor who played him.
Steve HalliwellĀ starred as Zak Dingle in the show from 1994 until last year, the year of his death.
Zak appeared in June 2023 for the final time before Steve took a break owing toĀ healthĀ issues before ultimately dying in December.
Now,Ā EmmerdaleĀ bosses have confirmed that his character will be laid to rest in a āhugely fittingā tribute later this year.
Speaking to The Sun and other press, the showās brand new producer Sophie Roper lifted the lid on plans for how the show would address Zakās death.
Sophie said: āThe Dingles have been at the heart of our show for 30 years now and will continue to be so.
āAnd as many of you will know, of course, we lost Steve recently and the very sad passing of Steve.
āSo weāre going to be marking Zacās passing, iconic Zac Dingle character, in the coming months with a DingleĀ funeral.ā
She continued:Ā āSo very difficult for a lot of people who work on the show and obviously for a lot of our viewers who have grown and loved Zac for many, many years.
āBut it will be a hugely fitting tribute to such an iconic character coming up.ā
Actor Steve was 77 when he passed away last year with his family and Emmerdale both issuing statements to confirm his death.
ConfirmingĀ his death at the time, a spokesperson for Emmerdale said: āIt is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that Emmerdale can confirm that Steve Halliwell, our beloved Zak Dingle, has peacefully passed away.ā
āAll our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and loved ones through this very difficult time, and weād request that their privacy is respected as they grieve for his loss.ā
āSteve 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.ā
Fans have already begun to speculate thatĀ his death could be tied to his daughter Belleās current heartbreaking abuseĀ plot line with husband Tom King.