Emmerdale star Jeff Hordley has opened up about the emotional

storyline surrounding Zak Dingle’s death, following the passing

of actor Steve Halliwell last December. As the soap gears up to pay

tribute to both Steve and his character Zak, viewers will witness the Dingle family coming to terms with the heartbreaking news and preparing for Zak’s funeral, with a surprise appearance from a long-lost relative.

Hordley revealed that his character, Cain, will be deeply affected by Zak’s death, especially since he had just returned from visiting him in Scotland. Cain finds comfort in having seen Zak recently, which helps him process the shock. The storyline will unfold as Cain breaks the tragic news to various family members, each reacting in their own way.

The Dingles—Cain, Belle, and Sam—will come together to reminisce and reflect on Zak’s life in what promises to be a special, dedicated episode. Hordley described the episode as a touching tribute, where the characters spend the night sharing stories about Zak and discussing their own lives. He likened it to the intense two-hander episodes from the lockdown era, noting how it feels more like a stage play with its deep focus on character dialogue.

Cain and Sam will also travel to Scotland to bring Zak’s body home for the funeral, which, according to Hordley, will be a classic Dingle-style event—hinting at something memorable and full of surprises. While he kept specific details under wraps, he teased that if viewers imagine a “shotgun wedding or shotgun funeral,” they’ll get a sense of what’s in store.

The upcoming episodes promise to be an emotional farewell to one of Emmerdale’s most beloved characters, as the Dingle family honors Zak’s legacy in their own unique way.