Emmerdale viewers were shocked after the ‘relative’ rocked up to the Dales
Emmerdale fans were left open-mouthed after the ‘long-lost identical twin’ of Zak Dingle made his soap debut.
Soap legend Zak (Steve Halliwell), who made his first appearance back in 1994, died off-screen last month. In real life, actor Steve passed away in December last year, aged 77.
As Zak was living in Scotland, sons Cain (Jeff Hordley) and Sam (James Hooton) headed up to collect his body and bring him home to the village.
When they returned, it was time for Zak’s funeral, which played out in emotional scenes that aired a few weeks ago. As well that, Zak’s Tina Dingle (Samantha Power) also showed up, 28 years since her last appearance on the soap.
It’s fair to say Zak’s death has since rocked the Dingle clan, as the beloved character was the head of the family. However, fans watching Thursday’s episode (October 31) fans were left stunned after spotting a lookalike relative of Zak Dingle.
During the instalment, Charity (Emma Atkins) spoke to Ross (Mike Parr) about their child Moses. However, it’s fair to say fans were left rather distracted. In the background, an extra looked look the spit of Zak Dingle. So much so, that fans have claimed it could be Zak’s long-lost brother or twin.
On an Emmerdale Facebook fan page, one person said a photo of the Zak Dingle lookalike and wrote: “Zack’s back!!.”
In the comments section, a second person wrote: “Omg I thought it was him too for a split second.” A third chimed in: “I thought that when I was watching it.”
As well as their shock, fans shared a theory that he could be Zak’s long-lost relative. Another person penned: “It’s Zak’s estranged twin brother…” Someone else replied: “Don’t give them ideas any ideas!” As a third quipped: “It will be Emmerdale’s next storyline, you watch.”
Steve joined the cast in October 1994 and he remained at the heart of the Dingle family ever since. While the character of Zak was only supposed to be temporary, he ended up becoming one of the soap’s most recognisable villagers.
Following the news of Steve’s death last year, the Emmerdale team 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.
“Steve will forever be synonymous with Emmerdale. The proud defender and head of the Dingle family. Heart and humour in all he did, it has been and always will be impossible not to smile when you think of him.”
Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 and ITVX at 7.30pm
