It was a big week for the Dingles in the ITV soap as they discovered their beloved patriarch had died before saying a final farewell

Emmerdale has been flooded with messages from fans are rounding off Zak Dingle’s final farewell with emotional messages. It was a big week for the Dingles in the ITV soap as they discovered their beloved patriarch had died.

Cain Dingle was informed himself about his father’s passing by wife Moira, after she picked up a call from his daughter Debbie, who had been living alongside Zak in Scotland for a number of years.

In an unusual move for the show, incidental music played as Cain was seen visiting each of his family members in turn, starting with Sam and Belle before later visiting the Woolpack to tell half-sister Chas and Marlon the news of Zak’s death before the Dingles rallied together.

Cain and Sam went on to leave the village, but only briefly, to bring their father home. They were quickly back, with Zak in tow, and the head of the family left specific instructions for his family.

He wanted them to take him back to Wishing Well, where he wished to be buried in the garden, and wanted proceedings to be carried out, not by a vicar, within 48 hours of his death.

As per his wishes, the Dingles gathered together in the village, starting at the Woolpack before Zak was drummed through the village back to Wishing Well where the family’s attempts at a moving goodbye didn’t quite go to plan with the return of a loud and brash Tina Dingle, Zak’s daughter from his first marriage.

Tina was eventually given her marching orders when she demanded the family’s home was also now hers. The police showed up as Tina was fitted with a tag and she was taken away in the back of the car, but not before claiming: “This isn’t over!”

Following the emotional, yet perfectly comical, scenes, Emmerdale shared a video montage to social media showing some of Zak’s best bits which are particularly poignant as the character’s passing comes after the real-life death of actor Steve Halliwell last December.

Alongside the post, the caption read: “There was no one quite like Zak Dingle [red heart emoji] #Emmerdale.” And fans of the show were quick to respond with their messages of love for both Zak and Steve.

@baggers999 said: “RIP Steve Halliwell. Only one Zak Dingle. I am sure they were real tears when they filmed these scenes.” @louisemacallister commented: “What a send off. Zak Dingle will never be forgotten. Rest in peace Steve Halliwell.” @debbielhans wrote: “GOODNIGHT ZAC DINGLE … what an absolute legend Steve / Zac were will absolutely be missed.”

@mussiegirl67 replied: “What a beautifully touching tribute to one of the most legendary soap characters #zacdingle you will be greatly missed.” @sianelizxx posted: “A lovely tribute! RIP Zak Dingle. He’ll be truly missed.” @maureen.marr.581 added: “Great characters, Zac and Steve will be sadly missed.”