Emmerdale legend’s will exposed after 30 years in ITV soap and tragic death

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, with his widow Valerie and 40-year-old daughter Charlotte named as beneficiaries.

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, and Steve having appeared in nearly 2,500 episodes as the beloved Zak Dingle, his earnings were significant.

In a touching tribute, Emmerdale is set to hold an on-screen funeral for Steve later this year. Emmerdale producer Sophie Roper shared with The Mirror in July: “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.”

“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,” reports the Express.

Steve Halliwell left behind £63k in his will ( Image: (Image: Getty))

Emmerdale expressed its sorrow over Steve’s death in December 2023 through a poignant statement. 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.”

Steve played Zak Dingle for 30 years ( Image: (Image: ITV))

John Whiston, Managing Director of Continuing Drama, added his voice to the tributes, stating: “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.”