Zak’s final wishes have been revealed (Picture: ITV/Michael Adams/Metro)
This article contains spoilers for tonight’s episode of Emmerdale, which airs tonight on ITV1 or can be streamed now on ITVX.
The legendary Zak Dingle has arrived back in Emmerdale ahead of his funeral tomorrow.
Emotions were running high in the village, as family and friends prepared to say goodbye to a much-loved resident – even Kim Tate (Claire King) managed to shed a tear, and she’s never been a fan of the rowdy clan!
It’s without a doubt that the grief we’re seen on-screen right now comes from the heart, as the cast are not only saying goodbye to fictional Zak, but also actor Steve Halliwell who passed away last year.
News first reached the area earlier in the week, when Cain (Jeff Hordley) arrived back from Scotland where Zak has been living with his daughter Debbie (Charley Webb).
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The clan struggled to process the news (Picture: ITV)
With Cain back at home, he jumped in the shower whilst wife Moira (Natalie J Robb) took the bad news over the phone.
He then had the difficult job of visiting everyone to inform them of Zak’s passing.
In today’s episode, Chas (Lucy Pargeter) and Marlon (Mark Charnock) wondered when they would hear news about the funeral plans.
Little did they know, on the other side of the village, Cain and brother Sam (James Hooton) had travelled across the border to make arrangements.
They were surprised to hear that their dad wanted burying within 48 hours of his death, so had to transport his body back to Yorkshire in the back of the trusty (and rusty) old 1987 Renault Trafic van.
The whole family gathered in Wishing Well to raise a glass (Picture: ITV)
Emmerdale cast pay tribute to Steve Halliwell and Zak Dingle
The Dingle family remember Steve Halliwell and Zak Dingle (Picture: ITV)
Cain Dingle star Jeff Hordley reflects on filming the funeral episode:
‘There’s really poignant moments in it. And whilst we were filming, we were all focused and giving the script everything it needed. But off camera as well – and Steve would have enjoyed this, because Steve always liked to have a giggle behind the camera – whilst we weren’t rolling, we made sure we had some laughs as well.
‘Because when we do get together as a group, we do make sure that it’s fun to film. What I’m trying to say is that the mood wasn’t just downbeat, we were making sure that we were having a laugh, and Steve wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.’
Mandy Dingle actress Lisa Riley said:
‘The best part for us, as the Dingle family, was the way that this went through production. From Laura (Shaw), our producer, who’s known us for years, grown up with us, and then Peter Kerry who has written the script, who was part of the development team of the Dingles …read more
Source:: Metro
