Emmerdale fans were quick to predict how the latest storyline will unfold

It was tearful scenes on Emmerdale as fan-favourite Moira was tasked with revealing a Dingle elder had died to her husband.

Moments before the familiar theme ended the episode of the ITV show on Monday, October 14, Moria told village hardman Cain Dingle that his father, Zak, had died. It took place just moments after Cain, who had visited his dad in Aberdeen, said his father was “doing much better”.

Steve Halliwell, the actor who played the beloved character, died at the age of 77 after a period of ill health at his home in Leeds on December 15, 2023 – six months after his last appearance on the show on June 27. Since his death, fans have been wondering what would happen to his character, Zak.

In July, Emmerdale announced plans that Zak, who first appeared on Emmerdale in 1994, would be killed off, rather than replaced by a new actor. And now his final storyline has begun, with Moira ending tonight’s episode explaining that Zak has died in Scotland.

Viewers know Zak has been up in Scotland staying with his granddaughter Debbie. Tragedy will strike after the character is taken ill in a farewell storyline honouring Zak and Steve.

And fans were quick to predict how that storyline will unfold, taking to X, formerly Twitter, to share their thoughts.

@sofaneilas said: “Sad week ahead for the dingles 🙁 RIP Zak.” And @Winis_World said: “Awww… It’s really respectful how they have taken a while to now have Zak pass. He’s a legend!”

While @topgooner100 said: “What a legend Zak was rest of week will be emotional.” And @Surfingspaniel wrote: “RIP Zak such a huge part of Emmerdale, you’re going to be missed. Got to feel for the cast and crew filing this weeks episodes it must have been heartbreaking”