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 the ITV show later this year following the real-life passing of the actor who played him.

Steve Halliwell 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 to health issues before ultimately dying in December.

Now, Emmerdale bosses have confirmed that his character will be laid to rest in a “hugely fitting” tribute later this year.

Speaking to The Sun and other press, the show’s brand new producer Sophie Roper lifted the lid on plans for how the show would address Zak’s death.

Sophie said: “The Dingles have been at the heart of our show for 30 years now and will continue to be so.

“And as many of you will know, of course, we lost Steve recently and the very sad passing of Steve.

“So we’re going to be marking Zac’s passing, iconic Zac Dingle character, in the coming months with a Dingle funeral.”

She continued: “So 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.

“But it will be a hugely fitting tribute to such an iconic character coming up.”

Actor Steve was 77 when he passed away last year with his family and Emmerdale both issuing statements to confirm his death.

Confirming his death at the time, a spokesperson for 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.”

Fans have already begun to speculate that his death could be tied to his daughter Belle’s current heartbreaking abuse plot line with husband Tom King.