Show bosses have written in a death storyline for Zak as a tribute to long-serving actor Steve Halliwell, who passed away last year.

Steve died in December 2023 at the age of 77. He’d played Dingle family patriarch Zak since 1994.

In the fictional world of Emmerdale, Zak has frequently been mentioned on screen in recent months, as he’s living away in Scotland. News recently reached the village that Zak was unwell.

Next week, Zak’s son Cain returns from a trip to Scotland and heads off for a shower.

While Cain is upstairs, Moira answers a phone call from Cain’s daughter Debbie, who breaks the tragic news that Zak has passed away.

It’s then left to Cain to share the news with the rest of the family, causing sadness for the Dingles and the wider community.

Cain, Sam and Belle unite at this difficult time, taking some time alone to reminisce about their father.

Cain and Sam then head off to Scotland together, preparing to bring Zak home for the final time. The villagers gather on Main Street to support the Dingle duo as they leave.

Later in the week, the day of the funeral arrives and a long-lost relative appears at the graveside, shocking the Dingle family.

Speaking about the episode, Jeff Hordley – who plays Cain – commented: “There’s really poignant moments in it. And whilst we were filming, we were all focused and giving the script everything it needed. But off camera as well – and Steve would have enjoyed this, because Steve always liked to have a giggle behind the camera – whilst we weren’t rolling, we made sure we had some laughs as well.

“Because when we do get together as a group, we do make sure that it’s fun to film. What I’m trying to say is that the mood wasn’t just downbeat, we were making sure that we were having a laugh, and Steve wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.”

Asked about the surprise arrival at the funeral, Jeff replied: “It’s someone you might know. They’re not going to make things go smoothly for the Dingles. Could it be someone back from the dead?”

Emmerdale airs these scenes on Thursday, October 10.