Emmerdale enthusiasts reckon a soap icon is making a comeback to the Dales for Zak Dingle’s looming send-off.

Zak, portrayed by Steve Halliwell, first graced our screens in 1994 and quickly became a fan favourite as the patriarch of the notorious Dingle family.

Tragically, Steve died aged 77 last year after a series of health struggles. In the soap, Zak is living with his granddaughter Debbie up in Scotland, away from the on-screen drama.

The Dingle clan, still prominent in the show’s beloved village, have been known to trek across the country to catch up with him.

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However, this week Emmerdale has dropped the bombshell that Zak Dingle’s passing will soon be woven into the storyline. The Dingle household will be hit with the gut-wrenching news of Zak’s demise later in the year, reports the Express.

Emmerdale’s producer Sophie Roper spilled the beans to Digital Spy, revealing plans for a poignant homage to both Zak and Steve, honouring his monumental impact on the series.

A funeral will be taking place for the character

Sophie admitted crafting the funeral scenes was “very difficult for a lot of people who work on our show and a lot of our viewers who have grown and loved Zak for many, many years. But there’ll be a hugely fitting tribute for such an iconic character coming up.”