Steve Halliwell's 'Emmerdale' co-stars are mourning the loss of the "King of the Dingles".
Steve Halliwell has died at the age of 77
The veteran actor, who had played family patriarch Zak Dingle since 1994, passed away on Friday (15.12.23) at the age of 77, and his onscreen family members and friends have been paying tribute to the beloved star.
Danny Miller, who plays Aaron Dingle, wrote on Instagram: "From day one, he took me under his wing and helped guide me on and off set. He never failed to effortlessly make me and everyone else corpse with a simple look or grunt or 'mmmm EH?!'
"The King of the 'double takes' and the King of the Dingles. We'll miss you, mate. On and off set. Rest well, Steve, and leave one in the pump for me.(sic)"
She wrote on her Instagram account:"My dearest Steve… Love you so much, you are now finally at peace. Thank you for years of laughter, you were still laughing right up to the end.
"Adored, loved, respected by us all, a LEGEND in my eyes, that's for sure - we have stories and memories to last for many more years to come.
"Sleep well Stevie - our prayers of strength go to Charlotte, Val and Angelina at this really difficult time… our extended family. That boy from Bury did good."
And James Hooton, who stars as Zak's son Sam Dingle, remembered his "great friend" as a true "soap icon".
He wrote on X: "A soap icon and a great friend has passed away today! Steve Halliwell was the first person I met when I walked through the door into the Emmerdale studios and we remained friends until the end!
"A truly loved character and a strong proud man, RIP Steve you will be sadly missed."
Rachel Gill-Davis, who portrays Gail Loman, described Steve as a "terrific man".
She posted: "Like many, I knew him as Uncle Zak but from what I’ve heard Steve was not only a talented actor but a terrific man. My thoughts and condolences are with all his friends and family."
Hayley Tamaddon looked back fondly on working with Steve when she played Del Dingle on the soap.
She said: "This is sad news. He was a wonderful man. We had many a giggle together when I was in the show. The Dingles have lost a hero."
Tagged in James Hooton Steve Halliwell Danny Miller