ITV Emmerdale airs major Zak Dingle update as family member forced to leave village

Emmerdale's Zak Dingle
-Credit: (Image: PA)


Emmerdale has aired an update on Zak Dingle confirming the character has fallen ill.

During Wednesday's (September 25) visit to the village, brave Belle Dingle (Eden Taylor-Draper) shared with Chas (Lucy Pargeter) her plans to tell the police about Tom's abusive and controlling behaviour.

Belle recently found a hidden camera in her cottage planted by her estranged husband Tom (James Chase) and felt violated. After a heart-to-heart with Lydia (Karen Blick), Belle decided to speak up against Tom and get help from the police.

But as Chas and Belle chatted about the ordeal in The Woolpack, they were interrupted by Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley), who was also taking a phone call. As he hung up, Cain confirmed he had spoken with Debbie about the health of his and Belle's dad Zak.

Cain and Belle Dingle
Cain and Belle have been left worried as their dad is said to be unwell -Credit:ITV/Emmerdale

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"It's just dad, he's not well and doing her head in", Cain told Belle.

Chas asked: "What's up with him?", as Cain replied: "A bit breathless, but then he always does stop halfway up the stairs don't he", as he gave a worried expression.

Cain then confirmed he will leaving the village the next day to visit his dad in Scotland for a few days. Belle tried to convince Cain that she could check in on their dad but he declined as she has plans to sort out Tom.

Later, Cain told Liam Cavanagh (Jonny McPherson) about his arrangements to visit Zak but was also worried to leave Moira (Natalie Robb) alone following her brain tumour diagnosis.

Cain and Zak have fought over the years.
Cain Dingle has been left worried over his dads health -Credit:ITV

Chas also tried to convince Belle to call Zak to see how he was, but Belle added they had spoken the night before and he seemed to be well. But Is Zak Dingle’s heartbreaking death on the horizon?

Actor Steve Halliwell famously played Zak Dingle on the ITV soap from 1994, until his death last year.

The much-loved actor sadly died on December 15, 2023, at the age of 77 following a prolonged illness, which led to heartfelt tributes from many of his fellow cast members.

In the wake of his death, it was revealed by soap chiefs that Emmerdale would broadcast a funeral episode for the much-loved Zak Dingle.

Emmerdale airs weekdays at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX