'Emmerdale' legend Steve Halliwell has died aged 77.
Emmerdale legend Steve Halliwell has passed away, his family have confirmed in a statement
The actor, best known for playing Zak Dingle in the ITV soap, passed away surrounded by his loved ones and in good spirits until the very end.
In a statement, his 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."
Halliwell made his first appearance as head of the Dingle family in October 1994 and retired from the series 27 years later in 2021 as one of the most beloved characters to ever step foot in The Woolpack pub and the soap's second-longest cast member.
Pig farmer and gamekeeper Zak - known for his flat cap, wellies and wax jacket - was involved in numerous dramatic storylines, including affairs and the revelation that he was the real father of Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) and not actually his uncle as Cain had grown up to believe.
ITV paid tribute to the actor in a statement that read: "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.
"Steve will forever be synonymous with 'Emmerdale'. The proud defender and head of the Dingle family. Heart and humour in all he did, it has been and always will be impossible not to smile when you think of him."
Halliwell was born in Lancashire and before finding acting success and fame he worked in cotton and paper mills.
He made numerous appearances on TV in the 1970s, '80s and '90s with roles in 'Threads', 'Cracker', 'Heartbeat' and fellow ITV soap 'Coronation Street' before becoming a household name thanks to 'Emmerdale'.
Steve and his 'Emmerdale' co-stars Billy Hartman and Alun Lewis formed the country rock trio The Woolpackers, with the band releasing single 'Hillbilly Rock Hillbilly Roll' in November 1996.