Dingle patriarch Zak Dingle will be laid to rest on Emmerdale later this year following the death of actor Steve Halliwell

Emmerdale icon Steve Halliwell will be remembered with an on-screen funeral for Zak Dingle.

Steve Halliwell passed away back in December 2023, leaving the cast and crew of Emmerdale devastated. It has now been confirmed that Emmerdale will air a Dingle funeral for Steve's character Zak later this year.

Speaking about what's to come, producer Sophie Roper revealed that Steve's death will be marked on-screen. She told The Mirror and other press: "The Dingles have been at the heart of our show for 30 years now, and will continue to be so.

"We lost Steve recently, so we're going to be marking Zak’s passing in the coming months with a Dingle funeral. It will be very difficult for a lot of people who work on the show and obviously a lot of our viewers who have grown and love Zak for many, many years - but it will be a hugely fitting tribute for a great character."

Steve passed away in December 2023, with Emmerdale issuing a sad statement at the time.

A spokesperson 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.

"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."

Steve passed away with his loved ones around him, and was described as the "most amazing father and grandfather".

"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," he shared.

"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 & Head of ITV in the North, added: "Steve Halliwell was one of those rare human beings who was as wonderful off screen as on. 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."