Emmerdale have offered a sad update on Zak Dingle’s health in the wake of actor Steve Halliwell’s death.

The actor, who was known to millions for his portrayal, died aged 77 last year.

‘He went to sleep, peacefully with his loved ones around him,’ read the statement released by his family. ‘He was making us laugh to the end, the most amazing father and grandfather you could ever wish for, family was everything to him.

‘We would like to thank the wonderful staff at St James Hospital and the Wheatfield Hospice for their love and kindness in his final days. He didn’t want sadness, just to rejoice in a life well lived.’

Emmerdale added: ‘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.’

The was last seen over a year ago, but has been mentioned frequently since.

Currently living in Scotland with Debbie (Charley Webb), we heard that he was too unwell to attend his daughter Belle’s (Eden Taylor-Draper) wedding to Tom King (James Chase) but sent his best wishes.

In tonight’s episode, Cain (Jeff Hordley) told Belle that he had heard from Debbie, who was complaining about Zak.

She’d told him that he was becoming breathless and was unwell, and Cain decided it would be best if he visited to check in on him.

Belle was adamant to go instead, wanting to escape the drama surrounding abusive Tom, but Chas (Lucy Pargeter) implored her to stay in the Dales and report her husband to the police.

We know that Emmerdale bosses are planning a send-off for the character, in tribute to Steve who appeared as Zak for the majority of three decades.

Will Cain return with some bad news?