ITV Emmerdale legend leaves behind £63,000 in will after 30 years in soap

ITV Emmerdale legend leaves behind £63,000 in will after 30 years in soap


Emmerdale legend Steve Halliwell, famed for his role as Zak Dingle, passed away in December at the age of 77. The actor, who graced the ITV soap for three decades, left behind a will amounting to £63,000, which is set to benefit his widow Valerie and 40 year old daughter Charlotte.

The Sun has reported that during his time on Emmerdale, Steve could have been earning up to £200,000 annually. With stars of the show potentially making £2,000 per episode, it's no surprise considering Steve's nearly 2,500 appearances as the beloved Zak Dingle.

In a touching tribute, Emmerdale is planning an on-screen funeral to honour Steve later this year.

Speaking to The Mirror in July, Emmerdale producer Sophie Roper said: "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," reports the Express.

"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."

READ MORE: ITV Emmerdale actress whose son had starred in Coronation Street but fans never knew

READ MORE: Strictly Come Dancing star's strange connection to major actor unearthed in old ITV interview

Emmerdale expressed its sorrow over Steve's death in a statement released in December 2023.

A spokesperson for the soap stated: "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."

John Whiston, Managing Director of Continuing Drama, further celebrated Steve's life and legacy, commenting: "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."