Currently living in Scotland with Debbie (Charley Webb), we heard that Zak was too unwell to attend his daughter Belle’s (Eden Taylor-Draper) wedding to Tom King (James Chase) but sent his best wishes.

In the episode that aired yesterday, Cain told Belle that he had heard from Debbie, who was complaining about Zak. She’d told him that he was becoming breathless and was unwell, and Cain decided it would be best if he visited to check in on him.

Belle was adamant to go instead, wanting to escape the drama surrounding abusive Tom, but Chas (Lucy Pargeter) implored her to stay in the Dales and report her husband to the police.

Cain decided to try and step up for Moira (Natalie J Robb) in a different way during tonight’s episode. With the beloved character adapting to life with a brain tumour, Cain decided to try and cook some dinner – but he didn’t do a very good job.

Fortunately Mackenzie (Lawrence Robb) stepped in to help but just as he did this, Cain received another call from Debbie.

Cain got off the phone and revealed that Debbie was still worrying about Zak. Curious as to whether Debbie wasn’t being entirely honest about how poorly his dad is, Cain knew he needed to leave.

We know that Emmerdale bosses are planning a send-off for the character, in tribute to Steve who appeared as Zak for the majority of three decades.

‘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.’