Emmerdale star James Hooton recently opened up about the passing of his co-star Steve Halliwell, who played Zak Dingle on the popular soap opera. Steve Halliwell passed away in December at the age of 77 after 29 years of service on the show. The Emmerdale team confirmed the news in a statement, expressing their deep sadness and offering their thoughts and prayers to Steve’s family and loved ones.
As Emmerdale prepares to mark 30 years of James Hooton’s character Sam Dingle on the show, plans are in place to honor the late actor with a special tribute. The show’s newest producer, Sophie Roper, has revealed that there will be emotional scenes ahead for the Dingle family as they say goodbye to Zak. Despite the loss of Steve Halliwell, his character Zak continues to be remembered and cherished by the Dingle clan on the show.
During a recent appearance on Loose Women, James Hooton spoke about the upcoming storyline that will address Zak’s passing. He shared that filming for these scenes is set to begin in August and emphasized the importance of respectfully honoring such an iconic character. James also expressed his personal connection to Steve Halliwell, describing him as a good friend and reflecting on the impact of his presence on set.
Looking ahead to his own future on Emmerdale, James Hooton confirmed that he plans to stay on the show for as long as they will have him. With nearly three decades of experience playing Sam Dingle, James remains dedicated to his role and the beloved soap opera that has become a significant part of his life.
As fans and colleagues continue to mourn the loss of Steve Halliwell, the upcoming tribute to Zak Dingle promises to be a heartfelt and poignant moment for Emmerdale viewers. The legacy of both the actor and the character he portrayed will live on in the hearts of those who knew him best, both on and off the screen.