Emmerdale aired an emotional episode on Thursday as the Dingles said goodbye to Zak – but two visitors showed up to pay their respects and weren’t immediately given a warm welcome
Emmerdale fans have been left demanding a popular recurring character becomes a show regular after his sweet appearance during Thursday’s episode (17 October).
During the latest visit to the Dales, the day of Zak Dingle’s (played by Steve Halliwell) funeral arrived as his family prepared to bid farewell to their patriarch with one last knees up.
Before proceeding got underway the Dingle’s gathered outside of The Woolpack as Sam (James Hooton), Cain (Jeff Hordley), Marlon (Mark Charnock) and Vinny (Bradley Johnson) prepared to carry the casket into the pub.
But there was a surprise visitor as PC Swirling (Andy Moore) pulled up in his patrol car leaving Belle concerned.
Looking over at the copper, Charity (Emma Atkins) gasped: “I reckon he would have loved having the law here. It’s like he planned it himself.”
Walking over to Swirling, Belle (Eden Taylor-Draper) apprehensively added: “Surely, you don’t wanna bother us. Not today.”
Vinny quickly chipped in: “I mean, you can see it’s a family funeral.”
Sounding sombre, the policeman quickly confirmed his intentions: “Just come to pay me respects, I promise.”
Their conversation was quickly interrupted when Sam called Vinny away so they could lift Zak’s coffin out of their rusty van. Later in the episode, there was another surprise as Tina Dingle (Samantha Power) also arrived to say goodbye to her dad after 28 years.
PC Mike Swirling, brought to life by the skilled actor Moore, has been a staple on the ITV series, dropping in occasionally from 2004 to handle the locals’ legal troubles.
Swirling, integral to Emmerdale as one of its most enduring occasional characters, is typically spotted engaging with the Dingles and other infamous villagers.
After he arrived to say goodbye to Zak on Thursday, Emmerdale fans are hoping to see more of the character in the near future.
Taking to Facebook, one soap fan wrote: “AHH it was nice seeing PC Swirling showing his respects.”
A second replied: “That was lovely that he turned up as a mark of respect for Zac. They should use him more often as he’s popular with the public.”
A third simply chimed in: “I like him” while another simply echoed: “Love him.”
“Yes it was he did well so did all the actors and writers well done you all got it just right”, added another.
Emmerdale airs weekdays at 7:30pm on ITV and ITVX
