Emmerdale will celebrate 30 years of the Dingle family by bidding farewell to patriarch Zak Dingle following the death of actor Steve Halliwell.
Halliwell, who played the character on the long-running Yorkshire soap opera for nearly three decades, died aged 77 last December.
The Dingle family first appeared on screens in 1994 and have gone on to become the ITV show’s largest family, with multiple generations of known members.
In upcoming episodes sets to air next week, the news of Zak’s death is to be delivered to his daughter-in-law Moira Dingle in a phone call from his granddaughter Debbie Dingle while his son Cain Dingle is taking a shower.
Cain will then pass on the announcement to the Dingle family and he will reminisce with his siblings Sam and Belle Dingle about their father.
Villagers will gather on Main Street to wave Cain and Sam off as they leave for Scotland to bring Zak home while the Woolpack pub becomes a space for mourning.
The family will also gather to remember Zak at the Dingle homestead Wishing Well before hosting a funeral, where a long-lost relative will turn up, shocking the family.
Before receiving the news about Zak’s death, Moira has a seizure and then learns that an operation slot has become available, but she avoids telling her husband Cain while he is grieving.
Actor Jeff Hordley, who plays Cain, said he could not say much about the funeral but that it has “got Dingles written all over it”.
He added: “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.”
Eden Taylor-Draper, who plays Zak’s daughter Belle Dingle, remembered Halliwell as the “funniest man ever” as she reflected on working with him over the years.
She added: “He was a really weird combination of a father figure, best friend, a stand-up comedian and a counsellor. He was everything.
“It really feels like he lives on because all of us have traits of his; our sense of humour or things we bond over, so every day when we are together, it feels like Steve is still part of the conversation or moment.”
Lisa Riley, who plays Mandy Dingle, also revealed that Zak’s love of music has been incorporated into the farewell episode.
She said: “Zak’s love of music and the nostalgia are all there for the viewers to see.”
Halliwell’s role as Zak Dingle was not initially intended to be permanent but he became an integral character on the long-running serial drama after winning over viewers and producers.
Known for his flat cap, wellies and wax jacket attire, the pig farmer featured in a number of dramatic storylines, including divorcing his first wife Nellie, played by Sandra Gough, and later marrying Lisa, portrayed by Jane Cox.
There was further trouble in paradise when he had an affair and married Joanie Wright, played by Denise Black, before later reuniting with Lisa.
The actor said the turbulent storylines were not too far from his own personal life, having had issues with alcohol and his mental health.
Emmerdale airs on weekday nights at 7.30pm on ITV, ITVX and STV.
