The beloved Emmerdale actor Steve Halliwell, known for his iconic role as Zak Dingle, sadly passed away in December at the age of 77. After shining on the ITV soap for 30 years, he left behind a will worth £63,000 to his widow Valerie and daughter Charlotte, who is 40.
According to The Sun, Steves earnings from the show could have reached up to £200,000 a year, with series stars sometimes earning £2,000 per episode. Given Steve’s staggering near-2,500 episodes as the cherished Zak Dingle, these figures seem quite plausible.
In a heartfelt homage, Emmerdale has announced plans for an on-screen funeral later this year to pay tribute to Steve.
Discussing the plans with The Mirror, Emmerdale producer Sophie Roper revealed: “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,” reports Leeds Live.
Emmerdale shared its deep grief about Steve’s death through a statement made public in December 2023.
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.”
John Whiston, Managing Director of Continuing Drama, also shared touching sentiments on Steves passing saying: “Steve Halliwell was one of those rare human beings who was as wonderful off screen as on.
“To millions of Emmerdale viewers, he was the brawny but crafty Dingle patriarch who led the clan with a strong fist and a warm heart. To everyone who worked on Emmerdale, he was a much-loved friend and colleague, the undoubted father of the show, but also its fun mischievous uncle. We will miss him enormously.”