Emmerdale legend 'set to return' for Zak Dingle’s funeral 22 years after debut
Emmerdale confirmed an emotional funeral will be taking place for Zak Dingle - now fans have ‘rumbled' which former Dales resident is making a return
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Emmerdale fans are convinced a soap legend is heading back to the Dales for Zak Dingle’s upcoming funeral.
Zak, played by Steve Halliwell, made his debut in 1994 and went on to become one of the soap’s much-loved characters as the head of the Dingle clan.
Sadly, Steve passed away at the age of 77 last year after numerous health battles. Currently, Zak is off-screen residing with his granddaughter Debbie in Scotland.
Meanwhile many members of the Dingle family remain in the iconic village but have often made long journeys to visit him.
This week though, the soap confirmed that the death of Zak Dingle will be incorporated into a storyline. The Yorkshire Dales-based family will receive the heartbreaking news of Zak's death later this year.
Emmerdale producer Sophie Roper confirmed to Digital Spy that a tribute storyline for both Zak and Halliwell, acknowledging his significant contribution to the show, is in the works.
Sophie noted that the funeral scenes were "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," she confirmed.
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And now, fans have sussed out that an Emmerdale legend could be heading back for the emotional funeral. Over on an Emmerdale online forum, fans noted how it “makes sense” for Zak’s granddaughter Debbie Dingle to make a comeback.
Debbie (Charley Webb) was a regular on Emmerdale - making her first appearance in 2002. In 2021, Debbie left the Dales though, with the character currently living in Scotland with Zak.
But fans reckon that could all be changing soon. On the forum, one fan said: “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.”
A second added: “I totally agree,” while a third mused: “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.
“It would also be nice if Jacqueline Chadwick reprised her role as Tina, having heard of Zak’s death returned for the funeral.”
A third chimed in and wrote: “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.”
