Emmerdale icon who starred in the soap for almost 30 years leaves £63,000 in his will

Emmerdale icon who starred in the soap for almost 30 years leaves £63,000 in his will

As a dedicated follower of Emmerdale, I can truly say that Steve Halliwell was more than just a talented actor who played Zak Dingle; he was a complex individual whose life journey was as captivating as any storyline on the soap. His 30-year tenure in the series made him an iconic figure, and his portrayal of Zak was so authentic that it seemed as if he had lived every moment of the character’s tumultuous life.


A beloved Emmerdale star who tragically died last year has left £63,000 in his will. 

Steve Halliwell, who played Zak Dingle, in the soap, died in December aged 77. 

The soap star had played his character for almost 30 years and was a well-known face on screen. 

In his will it was revealed that he left the proceeds of his acting career to his family. 

Back in 1994, the seasoned actor first became part of the village community. It’s said that he made up to £200,000 per year while there, as reported by The Sun.

Emmerdale icon who starred in the soap for almost 30 years leaves £63,000 in his will

Emmerdale icon who starred in the soap for almost 30 years leaves £63,000 in his will
Emmerdale icon who starred in the soap for almost 30 years leaves £63,000 in his will

Despite earning as much as £2,000 per episode as a leading actor, it’s been disclosed that he actually had just £63,000 in his bank account.

Prior to his passing the previous year, the actor resided at St Helenas Caravan Park, which is situated in Horsforth, close to Leeds.

According to Steve’s will, all earnings from his acting career, including any future royalties, were bequeathed to his second spouse, Valerie (who also served as his widow), and their daughter Charlotte, who is 40 years old.

In 1984, Steve tied the knot with Valerie prior to gaining recognition on Emmerdale. After a short separation during the 1990s, they reconnected and enjoyed a prolonged marital relationship.

Throughout his lifetime, the actor on soap operas struggled with both alcohol addiction and depression. He suspected that he might have undiagnosed bipolar disorder, although he was never formally confirmed as such.

In his autobiography titled “If the Cap Fits: My Rocky Road to Emmerdale,” he openly admitted this fact.

The star entered rehab in 2003 to combat his alcohol addiction.

Emmerdale icon who starred in the soap for almost 30 years leaves £63,000 in his will
Emmerdale icon who starred in the soap for almost 30 years leaves £63,000 in his will

Additionally, he encountered legal issues and on a specific occasion, he was apprehended for spending the night in an unoccupied public structure belonging to the British government within London.

Steve mentioned that he spent two weeks at Ashford Remand Prison before being placed on probation and returning home.

In an interview with The Mirror back in 2014, he candidly discussed his struggles, stating: “I’ve dealt with depression, alcohol problems, and found myself in difficult situations that I had to navigate my way out of. My experiences go beyond these issues.

Steve shared with TV Times, “It appears that my path was leading towards playing the character Zak. I embarked on a voyage, and it felt as though it was my fate to portray this man whom I deeply comprehended.

In my experiences, I’ve encountered situations identical to those of the Dingles – brushes with the law, physical altercations, and forced moves out of homes. If there were parts of Zak’s life that I haven’t personally experienced, I can relate because I know individuals who have gone through similar circumstances.

Prior to embarking on his acting journey, Steve had previously worked as an apprentice in cotton and paper mills located in Bury, Lancashire – his birthplace.

Later on, he refined his skills at the Mountview Theatre School, located in Peckham, South London, where Dame Judi Dench serves as the president.

Prior to joining the cast of Emmerdale, Steve had already appeared on TV series like Here I Stand, Heartbeat, and Coronation Street.

Initially, Steve’s character on Emmerdale, Zak Dingle, was intended to have a short-term presence, but due to his captivating performance and resonance with the audience, he evolved into an essential figure in the series.

This renowned figure was recognized by his trademark flat hat, rain boots, and waterproof coat. He appeared in several compelling plotlines, such as parting ways with his first spouse Nellie, acted by Sandra Gough, and later marrying Lisa, who was portrayed by Jane Cox.

Read More

2024-09-22 15:36

Previous post Should You Try It: The Penguin on Max