15 December 2023 , 14:12
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Lisa Riley paid a sweet tribute to her Emmerdale co-star Steve Halliwell, who has died aged 77.
On Instagram, she wrote: "My dearest Steve….love you so much you are now finally at peace. Thank you for years of laughter, you were still laughing right up to the end.
"Adored, loved, respected by us all, a LEGEND in my eyes that’s for sure-we have stories and memories to last for many more years to come. Sleep well Stevie-our prayers of strength go to Charlotte, Val and Angelina at this really difficult time…our extended family 'That boy from Bury did good.'”
Emmerdale fans were left devastated by the news of Steve's death and paid tribute to the actor on Lisa's post. One commented: "Oh no I can’t believe this how sad.
"RIP Steve you were amazing throughout your time on Emmerdale as well as everything else you did, you will never be forgotten. Thoughts with your family, friends & your Emmerdale family too you will certainly be missed."
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Mandy star Lisa paid tribute to her friend and co-starAnother wrote: "So sorry to hear of the sad passing of this absolute icon. He will be missed xx," while a third said: "Such sad news, a lovely man, a brilliant actor, he will be missed x."
In a statement from Emmerdale, the ITV soap confirmed Steve's death on Friday. "It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that Emmerdale can confirm that Steve Halliwell, our beloved Zak Dingle, has peacefully passed away," the statement read.
"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."
A quote from Steve's family, read: "He went to sleep, peacefully with his loved ones around him. He was making us laugh to the end, the most amazing father and grandfather you could ever wish for, family was everything to him. We would like to thank the wonderful staff at St James Hospital and the Wheatfield Hospice for their love and kindness in his final days. He didn't want sadness, just to rejoice in a life well lived."
John Whiston Managing Director of Continuing Drama & Head of ITV in the North added: "Steve Halliwell was one of those rare human beings who was as wonderful off screen as on. To millions of Emmerdale viewers he was the brawny but crafty Dingle patriarch who led the clan with a strong fist and a warm heart. To everyone who worked on Emmerdale he was a much loved friend and colleague, the undoubted father of the show, but also its fun mischievous uncle. We will miss him enormously."
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