Reason Emmerdale recast iconic character Tina Dingle in Zak Dingle death storyline revealed

Emmerdale fans have experienced an emotional week as the soap said goodbye to Zak Dingle and actor Steve Halliwell

The reason a former Emmerdale star snubbed a return to the soap for the Zak Dingle death storyline has been revealed.

Many Emmerdale fans are still deeply emotional about the scenes which touchingly coped with the demise of the soap legend – coming following the death of actor Steve Halliwell last year. As part of the scenes, the character of Tina Dingle has been recast.

Original acting star Jacqueline Pirie reportedly turned down the chance to return. Instead Brassic’s Samantha Power has taken on the part for a short stint in the ITV soap.

The Sun has reported why the recast was needed. A source said: “Jacqueline loved her time on Emmerdale and life as an actress but it was a long time ago and she’s moved on.

**Emmerdale’s Tina Dingle was originally played by Jacqueline Pirie** (Image: ITV)

“She lives in Canada now and has a new career as a novelist and while she’ll always be fond of the show, a return isn’t something she’s interested in. These things happen, people move on and recasts happen all the time.”