Emmerdale fans are in for a surprise as a familiar face is set to return during Zak Dingle’s funeral this week. While the family gathers to say goodbye to Zak, the big question on everyone’s mind is, who is this mystery guest turning up unexpectedly? The Dingle family is known for its drama, and it looks like Zak’s send-off will be no different.
Jeff Hordley, who plays Cain Dingle, dropped some hints about this special arrival. He mentioned on ITV’s Lorraine show, “I can tell you that she’s a good friend of some of us in the cast… and she’s very, very good indeed.” Though he didn’t reveal the identity, his interview suggests that this character has a deep connection to the Dingle family, and her return is going to be dramatic.
Speculation is running wild – could it be a long-lost Dingle relative or someone from Zak’s past coming back to pay their respects? The show has always kept fans on their toes, and this shocking return is set to stir up emotions and bring some tension to the family as they mourn.
Hordley hinted that the emotional scenes are filled with heartache, humour, and the kind of Dingle mayhem that fans have come to love. “It was very poignant,” he said. “A great testament to Zak the character and a great tribute to a dear friend, Steve [Halliwell].”
The funeral marks the end of an era for Emmerdale, as it’s also a touching farewell to actor Steve Halliwell, who portrayed Zak Dingle for nearly 30 years. Halliwell passed away last December at the age of 77 peacefully, and the funeral episodes are a heartfelt tribute to the actor’s contribution to Emmerdale. As the head of the Dingle clan, Zak was known for his strength, humour, and heart – and his passing has deeply affected both the cast and fans of the show.
Jeff Hordley also shared that filming the emotional scenes was bittersweet: “We had some laughs as well, in the true tradition of Steve Halliwell, because he liked a joke on set and to have fun.”
As we bid goodbye to Zak Dingle, Emmerdale is preparing to honour both the character and the man who brought him to life. The upcoming episodes are sure to tug at the heartstrings while also keeping viewers on their toes with the mystery surrounding this shocking return.
Make sure you don’t miss a moment of the drama! Tune in this week to find out who makes this surprise return and what it means for the Dingles moving forward. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for more Emmerdale news and updates on the cast and characters of the soap.