Earlier this year, it was revealed that the soap’s writers were planning a send-off for the iconic character following the death of cast member Steve Halliwell last December.

Wednesday’s (September 25) episode laid the groundwork for these difficult scenes when the Dingle family learned that Zak had taken ill in Scotland while staying with Debbie.

Cain temporarily left the village to be by his father’s bedside, with viewers expected to hear more about the story in the coming weeks.

Back in July, Emmerdale producer Sophie Roper told Digital Spy and other media that there would be “a Dingle funeral” for Zak later in the year.

“[It will be] very difficult for a lot of people who work on our show and a lot of our viewers who have grown and loved Zak for many, many years,” the producer added.

“But there’ll be a hugely fitting tribute for such an iconic character coming up.”

Speaking to Digital Spy at the Radio Times Soap Awards shortly after the announcement, Danny Miller, who plays Aaron Dingle, promised Zak will “become the heart of the show again for a short time” following his death.

“It will bring the Dingles even closer together, which is great,” he explained to us. “Emmerdale have always been really good at keeping the Dingles at the heart of the show.”

Elsewhere in Wednesday’s episode, the soap aired a disturbing update on Amelia Spencer’s secret contact with the villainous Tom King.

She once again visited Tom in the woods to reveal that he’d no longer have to worry about Cain since he’d gone to Scotland. Amelia also announced that she’d moved out of the pub and was staying with Kerry and Amy.

“It’s just rubbish having to lie about everything,” she admitted.

When she suggested they move in together and live publicly as a couple, Tom laughed in her face. Tom snidely quipped that he needed “peace”, not Amelia’s “nagging”.

Amelia raced off in tears, though she was alarmed when Amy later revealed that Belle was going to report Tom to police the following day.

Before long, Amelia was meeting with Tom once again in the woods to share what she’d learned.

She questioned Tom about what happened to Belle’s dog Piper, but he insisted the dog had died during surgery. Viewers know Tom actually abducted the dog and gave her to another family to spite Belle.

“I don’t know what I’d do without you,” Tom told Amelia as he held her hand. “I love you, Amelia.”

“I love you too,” Amelia beamed.

Tom then asked for her help in getting even with Belle, before Amelia agreed and promised: “Whatever you want!”