Longtime Emmerdale star Steve Halliwell, beloved for his role as Zak Dingle

for over 30 years, has left fans stunned with a surprising £63,000 in his will

following his death in December 2023 at the age of 77. Halliwell, who

portrayed the iconic Zak Dingle from 1994 until his passing, left his estate to his widow Valerie and daughter Charlotte, according to recent reports.

Despite having earned up to £200,000 a year on the show, his modest will left many fans surprised. Halliwell appeared in nearly 2,500 episodes of Emmerdale, with soap stars reportedly earning around £2,000 per episode.

To honor his memory, Emmerdale producers have announced an emotional on-screen farewell for Zak Dingle with a funeral later this year. Sophie Roper, the show’s producer, shared with The Mirror that Zak’s passing will be a heartfelt moment not just for the Dingle family but for the entire Emmerdale community. She expressed how difficult it will be for both the cast and fans who have loved the character for decades.

In a tribute to Steve, Emmerdale released a statement mourning his loss, describing him as a proud defender of the Dingle family and someone who brought humor and heart to everything he did. John Whiston, Managing Director of Continuing Drama, praised Halliwell as both an on-screen patriarch and a beloved colleague off-screen, stating, “Steve was not only the father of the show but also its fun, mischievous uncle.”

The Emmerdale family, alongside devoted viewers, will miss him deeply.