DALES RETURN Emmerdale legend ‘set for return’ 22 years after debut as ITV soap says emotional goodbye to Zak Dingle

AN Emmerdale legend could be poised for a return to the show after it was confirmed a heartbreaking death would rock the Dales.

It was confirmed earlier this week by Emmerdale bosses that the iconic Zak Dingle would be given a “fitting tribute” following the passing of real-life actor, Steve Halliwell.

Steve passed away last year having played the role of Zak for just under 30 years.

He made his last appearance on the soap in June 2023 before he went to live with relative Debbie Dingle in Scotland.

Having been with her ever since, and his death and funeral now confirmed, fans have been left more convinced than ever before that Debbie, played by actress Charley Webb, will be back to deliver the crushing blow to the rest of the Dingle clan about Zak’s death.

With Zak’s impending on-screen death confirmed, one fan went on to say: “I hope Debbie comes back to break the news.

“It would be fitting for the Dingles to be told, properly, (not by phone) of Zak’s passing. And as many previous cast to attend the funeral, as possible.”

Someone else penned: “It’d make no sense if Debbie didn’t return, considering that’s where Zak is supposed to be. Perhaps she’ll return as a tribute to Steve.”

A third added: “I hated Debbie, but in this instance it makes sense and is fitting she should return if not to break the news, but to bring Zak’s body back to the village.”

They also went on to suggest another potential return in the form of Tina Dingle, Zak’s only daughter.

Tina has been out of the Dingle fold for almost 30 years having last appeared in the village in December 1996.

Played by actress Jacqueline Chadwick, one fan also begged that she come back to the ITV programme as well.

They said: “It would also be nice if Jacqueline Chadwick reprised her role as Tina, having heard of Zak’s death returned for the funeral.”

Fans had already been left convinced a return for Debbie could be on the cards after Belle Dingle planned to go and stay with her just last week amid her horrifying abuse.

Earlier this week, Emmerdale’s new boss confirmed that they would be paying tribute to Zak in upcoming scenes.

Speaking to The Sun and other press, the show’s brand new producer Sophie Roper lifted the lid on plans for how the show would address Zak’s death.

Sophie said: “The Dingles have been at the heart of our show for 30 years now and will continue to be so.

“And as many of you will know, of course, we lost Steve recently and the very sad passing of Steve.

“So we’re going to be marking Zac’s passing, iconic Zac Dingle character, in the coming months with a Dingle funeral.”

She continued: “So very difficult for a lot of people who work on the show and obviously for a lot of our viewers who have grown and loved Zac for many, many years.

“But it will be a hugely fitting tribute to such an iconic character coming up.”

Actor Steve was 77 when he passed away last year with his family and Emmerdale both issuing statements to confirm his death.