Emotional Tribute Planned for Zak Dingle

Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley, known for her role as Mandy Dingle, has revealed plans for an emotional tribute episode dedicated to Zak Dingle, following the unexpected death of actor Steve Halliwell. During her appearance on ITV's Lorraine on August 15, Riley discussed the upcoming wedding of her character to Paddy Kirk, played by Dominic Brunt, before addressing the tribute. She confirmed that filming for the memorial episode began recently, emphasizing Halliwell's significant impact on her life and career. "He is the ultimate icon of Emmerdale and the king of the Dingle family," she stated. Riley's comments come shortly after Brunt shared insights about their friendship on Loose Women. He recounted how he fabricated a story to entice Riley back to the show after her hiatus from 2001 to 2019. Brunt expressed his deep affection for Riley, stating that he missed her presence on set and wanted to bring her back, even if it meant bending the truth about the show's filming schedule. The heartfelt tribute to Halliwell is expected to resonate with fans, as he was a beloved figure in the series. The Dingle family, central to Emmerdale's narrative, will honor his legacy in a way that reflects the strong bonds formed among the cast over the years. Emmerdale continues to air weeknights on ITV1 and ITVX at 7:30 PM, promising viewers a blend of drama and heartfelt moments in the episodes to come.