STEVE Halliwell became a household name for playing the role of Zak Dingle on Emmerdale.
It has been announced that the actor has passed away at the age of 77.
Who was Steve Halliwell?
Steve Halliwell was best known for being an actor - particularly for appearing on ITV soap Emmerdale.
He became a fan favourite while taking on plenty of dramatic storylines while working on the programme.
It was announced on Friday, December 15, 2023 that he has passed away at the age of 77.
His family said that he he died peacefully surrounded by his loved ones.
Read more on TV
They said: "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."
When did Steve Halliwell join Emmerdale as Zak Dingle?
Steve first joined Emmerdale in 1994 where he played the role of Zak Dingle for 29 years.
The character was known as a loveable rogue on the programme as he had plenty of ups and downs.
He first appeared on 20 October 1994 and was only initially supposed to appear for a few episodes, but became a key part of the soap.
Some of his biggest storylines have included Nellie divorcing him, having daughter Belle, the death of his son Butch, assaulting son Cain and having a mental breakdown.
Emmerdale released a statement paying tribute to the actor saying: "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."
What other TV shows was Steve Halliwell in?
Steve had quite the career away from Emmerdale.
During the 70s, 80s and early 90s he starred in multiple well-known programmes.
He managed to land roles in Here I Stand, Threads, Cracker, Crown Court, G.B.H. Heartbeat and Coronation Street.
In Corrie Steve played the part of Bob Cairns between May 1993 and January 1994.
While in Threads, he played the information officer and in Crown Court he had the role of Mr Hedley.
Was Steve married and did he have children?
Yes, Steve was married and he had children.
Steve had been in a relationship with wife Valerie since the 1970s.
Read more on The Sun
The pair went on to have a daughter called Charlotte in 1984 before splitting in the 1990s and getting back together in the 2000s.
However, Steve was previously married to his childhood sweetheart Susan but they later separated.