Emmerdale’s Zak Dingle star left small sum in will despite three decades of soap earnings

Emmerdale actor Steve Halliwell, who played Zak Dingle on the ITV soap, left only a modest sum in his will following his death in December 2021 aged 77

Emmerdale’s veteran star Steve Halliwell left a modest sum in his will.

The actor, who portrayed the character of Zak Dingle in the popular soap, left just £63,030 after his death. Halliwell, who passed away last December at the age of 77, was the second longest serving cast member of the ITV drama, having joined in 1994.

It’s reported that stars of the soap could earn up to £2,000 per episode, which would have put his annual salary at around £200,000. He was a part of Emmerdale from 1994 until his death, a total of 29 years.

However, probate documents reveal that the net value of his estate was only £63,030. At the time he wrote his will in November 2019, he was residing at the St Helenas Caravan Park in Horsforth, near Leeds, West Yorkshire.

**The Zak Dingle star died in December 2023** (Image: (Image: ITV))

His address at the time of his death was the Black Horse Hotel in the nearby village of Otley. In his will, he left all proceeds from his acting career, including future royalties, to his widow Valerie – his second wife – and daughter Charlotte, 40, as reported by NeedToKnow.

Halliwell married Valerie in 1984, the same year Charlotte was born. Prior to his fame on Emmerdale, he had been previously married to Susan Woods, reports the Mirror.

**He was part of the soap for almost three decades** (Image: ITV)

It is said that Halliwell and Valerie separated in the 90s before reconciling. He battled alcoholism and depression throughout his life.

Although he was never diagnosed with bipolar disorder, he believed he might be a sufferer. He documented his experiences in his autobiography If the Cap Fits: My Rocky Road to Emmerdale.

**Fans loved Steve as the iconic Zak Dingle** (Image: PA)

Originally, his character Zak Dingle was intended to be a temporary addition, but he quickly became a staple of the popular soap opera, winning over both fans and producers.

Recognisable for his signature flat cap, wellies and wax jacket, the pig farmer has been at the centre of numerous dramatic storylines, including divorcing his first wife Nellie, played by Sandra Gough, and later tying the knot with Lisa, brought to life by Jane Cox.