It comes as the family are set to be hit by devastating news in the ITV soap
Emmerdale fans have been left flooding the show with questions after it offered a 30-year update on the Dingles. It’s been three decades since the ITV soap’s much-loved family first arrived on screens, now with multiple generations of known members.
But the beloved family are set to be rocked as in upcoming episodes sets to air next week, the news of Zak Dingle’s death is to be delivered to his daughter-in-law Moira Dingle in a phone call from his granddaughter Debbie Dingle while his son Cain Dingle is taking a shower.
Cain will then pass on the announcement to the Dingle family and he will reminisce with his siblings Sam and Belle Dingle about their father.
Later, fellow villagers will gather on Main Street to wave Cain and Sam off as they leave for Scotland to bring Zak home while the Woolpack pub becomes a space for mourning.
The family will also gather to remember Zak at the Dingle homestead Wishing Well before hosting a funeral, where a long-lost relative will turn up, shocking the family.
Zak’s death comes following the real-life passing of actor Steve Halliwell. The soap star, famed for playing the Dingle patriarch, died in December.
A statement issued on December 15, 2023, confirmed Steve had died while surrounded by his family at the age of 77 and after 29 years of service on the ITV soap. They said: “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.”
To mark the Dingles’ 30 years on screen, a new picture was released showing the members of the family on the recognisbale Wishing Well set. Alongside the post, the Emmerdale social media team wrote: “30 Years Of The Dingles!
“The Dingle family first appeared on screen in 1994. Since then, Emmerdale’s largest family, with 11 generations of known family members, have had their fair share of drama causing chaos as soaps’ most garish and close knit family. Thirty years later, the Dingles are saying farewell to their patriarch Zak. Despite their sadness, the Dingle family are doing what they do best, pulling together.
“The Dingles may be social outcasts in the village of Emmerdale, but off screen the soap family are multi award winning with many stories left to tell. #Emmerdale #Dingles.”
But it appears some fans thought there were members of the wider Dingle clan missing with Sam (James Hooton), Lydia (Karen Blick), Paddy (Dominic Brunt), Mandy (Lisa Riley), Aaron (Danny Miller), Vinny (Bradley Johnson), Chas (Lucy Pargeter), Noah (Jack Downham), Belle (Eden Taylor-Draper), Sarah (Katie Hill), Ryan (James Moore), Charity (Emma Atkins), Marlon (Mark Charnock), Moira (Natalie J Robb) and Cain (Jeff Hordley) all making an appearance.
@webkinny asked: “Where is Caleb? Love Will Ash.” @aaronsharp123 echoed: “My favourite soap family where is Caleb.” @evrmorslvr added: “Where is rhona????”
Others, however, heaped praise. @chelsisgay.x said: “The BEST soap family.” @luvvforemans commented: “The most incredible soap family.” @jameswalsham5 replied: “We all can agree without the dingles there is no Emmerdale.” @carystilley added: “30 years of the best family in soapland with many more still to come.”
And the eagle-eyed spotted a touching gesture. @tamdurston said: “Aww, I just noticed Zak’s hat is on the arm of the chair. Nice touch.” @bekahjade0 echoed: “Zak’s hat on the arm chair.” @fatcinders_ added: “I love how Zak’s hat is on the chair! Steve Halliwell is missed so much.”
