Emmerdale stars lead heartfelt tributes to 'wonderful' Zak Dingle actor Steve Halliwell

Soap stars have paid their respects to the Bury actor, who has died at age 77

Soap stars have paid tribute to 'wonderful' Zak Dingle actor Steve Halliwell, who has died at the age of 77.

On Friday afternoon (November 15), ITV confirmed the actor passed away peacefully surrounded by his family. Halliwell made his first appearance on the ITV serial drama in October 1994.

A statement from ITV 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."

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ITV added that the actor would forever be 'synonymous with Emmerdale' as 'the proud defender and head of the Dingle family.' The statement continued: "Heart and humour in all he did, it has been and always will be impossible not to smile when you think of him.”

TV stars were quick to respond to the sad news on Instagram. Commenting on a post announcing the actor's death, Kelvin Fletcher, who played Andy Sugden in Emmerdale from 1996 until 2016, wrote: "What a man and what a legacy. So many incredible memories. We had some fun. God Bless," with a red heart emoji.

Amy Wyatt actress Natalie Ann Jamieson wrote: "So sad, he was such a lovely man! Rest in peace," with a double-heart emoji. Emmerdale star Michelle Hardwick, who plays Vanessa Woodfield, said: "A wonderful man, will be greatly missed. Thinking of his family at this sad time, rest in peace Steve," with a red heart emoji.

Paula Lane, who plays Kylie Platt in the ITV soap opera Coronation Street, wrote: "I never got the pleasure to meet this wonderful man but I grew up watching and loving him. Sending love and strength to all his friends and family xxx".

TV presenter Richard Arnold was also among those to pay their respects, writing: "So sorry to hear this. What a gent he was. Such wonderful memories of being invited on set and spending time with the Dingle OG. Condolences to the whole ensemble and his loved ones."

In a statement, Halliwell’s family said: “He went to sleep, peacefully with his loved ones around him. 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.”

John Whiston, managing director of continuing drama and head of ITV in the north, paid tribute to Halliwell and said he was “as wonderful off-screen as on”. In a statement, he said: “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.”