Danny Miller pens moving tribute to Emmerdale's Zak Dingle actor Steve Halliwell
Emmerdale actor Danny Miller has paid tribute to his co-star Steve Halliwell - who died on Friday at the age of 77.
The 32-year-old has been left heartbroken by the passing of Steve - who played Zak Dingle on the iconic soap from 1994. Danny, who has played Aaron Livesy on Emmerdale since 2008, shared plenty of screen time with Steve and the two formed a close bond.
Taking to Instagram following the shock announcement of Steve’s death, Danny shared a snap of them together on one of their earliest days working together. The image showed the pair in character, with Danny sat at a table while Steve was at his side, and the characters in the midst of a deep conversation.
Writing a heartfelt message alongside the image, Danny said: “From day one he took me under his wing and helped guide me on and off set. He never failed to effortlessly make me and everyone else corpse with a simple look or grunt or 'mmmm EH?!' The King of the ‘double takes’ and the King of The Dingles.
Danny Miller shared a throwback snap of himself with Steve Halliwell (ITV)“We’ll miss you mate. On and off set. Rest well Steve and leave one in the pump for me.” He added a ‘Rest in Peace’ hashtag and a red heart emoji to the post - while hundreds of fans commented on the image and shared their sadness about Steve’s sudden passing.
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One follower commented: “Awww jeez ! He created one of Emmerdales most recognisable and iconic characters both able to do pathos and comedy.” And another wrote: “Such sad news. What a shame. Fantastic actor.”
Steve’s passing was announced on Friday by his family. Sharing the sad news in a statement, his devastated family members wrote: “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. 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.”
Zak Dingle actor Steve passed away on Friday (PA)
Fellow Emmerdale star Danny had a close bond with Steve (Getty Images)ITV drama executive John Whiston said the actor was "one of those rare human beings who was as wonderful off screen as on", and was the "undoubted father of the show, but also its fun mischievous uncle".
While a statement from the network added: “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.”
Steve was the second longest serving cast member in Emmerdale, having been on screens as Zak Dingle since 1994. Other cast paying tribute following his death included Lisa Riley - who played his on-screen daughter Mandy Dingle - who wrote on Instagram: “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.” The actor leaves behind his wife, Val and their daughter Charlotte.
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