Steve Halliwell

Stephen Harold Halliwell (19 March 1946 – 15 December 2023) was an English actor, best known for playing Zak Dingle in the ITV soap opera Emmerdale from 1994 until his death in 2023.

Early life Stephen Harold Halliwell was born on 19 March 1946 in Stockport, Cheshire, to parents Fred and Jenny Halliwell. He had a brother, Clive, who was two years older. Halliwell was an apprentice engineer and worked mainly in cotton and paper mills before drama training at the Mountview Theatre School. He also spoke openly about his experiences with depression throughout this period of his life. Together with Emmerdale co-stars Billy Hartman and Alun Lewis, he was a member of UK 1990s country rock trio the Woolpackers who released the single "Hillbilly Rock Hillbilly Roll" in November 1996. Halliwell remained in Emmerdale for 29 years, with his final scenes airing in June 2023.

Personal life Halliwell had a child with his then-partner whilst he was a student; the child, a daughter, was given up for adoption. In 1997 it was reported that Halliwell was searching for her. Halliwell's first marriage to his childhood sweetheart Susan Woods in 1972 later ended in divorce. He married Valerie Kirkby in 1984, and their daughter Charlotte was born the same year. In 2003, Halliwell took a short break from Emmerdale for personal reasons. He later said that the break was due to staying at a rehabilitation centre for alcoholism.

Death Halliwell died on 15 December 2023, at age 77 after a period of ill health. A statement from his family confirmed that he had "[died] peacefully with his loved ones around him". Several of his Emmerdale co-stars paid tribute to him, including his character's on-screen niece Lisa Riley, who thanked him for "years of laughter" and noted that he was "adored, loved and respected by [the cast]".

Filmography Year Title Role Notes 1977 Second City Firsts Stan Episode: "Daft Mam Blues" Here I Stand Ionian Episode: "The Gadfly" Crown Court P.C. Mack Episode: "Down Will Come Baby: Part 1" 1978 Pickersgill People PC Donovan Dugdale Episode: "Under the Moon of Love" 1983, 1989–1990 All Creatures Great and Small PC Goole 3 episodes 1984 Coronation Street Mr. Toft Episode: #1.2382 Crown Court Mr. Hedley Episode: "Burnt Futures: Part 1" Threads Information officer Television film 1985–1986 The Practice Peter Bishop Regular role; 44 episodes 1987 The Fourth Protocol Plastercast Courier Film 1988 Coronation Street Paul Hindley 2 episodes Wipe Out CPO Ringer Series 1: Episode 1 1989 First and Last Shop Assistant Television film 1990 Children's Ward Mr. Jenks 2 episodes Shoot to Kill Sergeant Quinn Television film Stay Lucky Police Inspector Episode: "The Devil Wept in Leeds" 1991 Coronation Street Returning officer Episode: #1.3221 G.B.H. Bubbles' friend Episode: "It Couldn't Happen Here" 1993 Three Seven Eleven Architect 2 episodes Heartbeat Newsagent Episode: "Manhunt" 1993–1994 Coronation Street Bob Cairns Recurring role; 8 episodes 1993 ScreenPlay Brain Flannery Episode: "The Merrihill Millionaires" Cracker Fire Officer Episode: "To Say I Love You: Part 3" Comic Timing Sgt. Halliwell Episode: "That Nice Mrs. Merton" 1994 Fair Game YHA Warden Television film 1994–2023 Emmerdale Zak Dingle Regular role; 2,795 episodes 1995 Elidor Mr. Brodie Series 1: Episode 5 1996 The Woolpackers: Emmerdance Zak Dingle Video release 1997 Emmerdale: The Dingles Down Under 1999 Emmerdale: Don't Look Now! – The Dingles in Venice 2010 Emmerdale: The Dingles – For Richer or Poorer 2014 Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway Series 11: Episode 6 Sources: