Emmerdale star Lisa Riley, who plays Mandy Dingle, has confirmed a major character return for Zak Dingle’s funeral in upcoming scenes, who will cause havoc for the family.
Beloved actor Steve Halliwell, who played Zak for nearly 30 years, sadly passed away last year at age 77.
Lisa Riley confirmed a major character return
‘He went to sleep, peacefully with his loved ones around him,’ read the statement released by his family. ‘He was making us laugh to the end, the most amazing father and grandfather you could ever wish for, family was everything 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.’
Emmerdale added: ‘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.’
Over the past few months, the ITV soap has kept fans updated on Zak while he’s been living in Scotland with granddaughter Debbie Dingle.
Unfortunately, his health has been deteriorating over the past few months, with a recent update from Debbie confirming that he was breathless and unwell.
We know that Emmerdale bosses are planning a send-off for the character, and a major character from the past is set to be in attendance, Lisa Riley confirmed to The Sun.
‘We filmed Steve’s memorial episode which goes out soon and it’s incredible,’ she said. ‘So so emotional. Tears all round. Really lovely though and for all us Dingles to be there.
‘It was emotional to film but there is going to be someone coming from the past who will have repercussions for Mandy and Paddy and Vinny especially moving forward.’
Who could be set to return to the Dales as Zak is laid to rest?
