Emmerdale's Zak Dingle may consider suicide after he's rejected by his wife Lisa and bit-on-the side Joanie Wright. Steve Halliwell, who portrays the farmer in the ITV soap, has admitted the future doesn't look good for his alter-ego and his mental health is set to plummet after he was knocked back by his spouse (Jane Cox) and then turned away by his mistress (Denise Black) following a top secret affair. Speaking to the Daily Mirror newspaper, Steve, 61, said: ''He could well become suicidal. He has lost absolutely everything. How can he carry on? If the family all shut off their love,...
- 12/29/2015
- Virgin Media - TV
'Emmerdale' actor Steve Halliwell was forced to beg on the streets as a teenager. The 68-year-old actor has revealed that before he became known as Zak Dingle on the ITV soap opera, he was sleeping rough in London and reduced to stealing food from cafes. In an extract from his autobiography 'If the Cap Fits: My Rocky Road to Emmerdale' Steve explained how aged 18 he left his job in a factory to pursue a new life in London. According to the Daily Mirror newspaper, he wrote: ''I would walk the streets looking for money or food, but I found London to be...
- 11/18/2014
- Virgin Media - TV
Emmerdale star Steve Halliwell has said that his character Zak Dingle will struggle to cope if his teenage daughter Belle goes off the rails. Zak, who suffered a mental breakdown last year, has grown concerned for Belle (Eden Taylor-Draper) in recent episodes as she seems to be pushing the boundaries with a new rebellious attitude. Last night's (January 29) episode saw the Dingles left horrified after Belle was caught in a compromising position with boyfriend Luke. Backing Zak's concerns, Halliwell told This Morning today (January 30): "From my own family life, you wonder if you might be going over the top - they've got to find their way in life, they've got to make mistakes. But some mistakes can last a lifetime if you're not careful with young girls, can't they? He's deeply worried about it. "I think since his (more)...
- 1/30/2013
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Homeland and Emmerdale were among the winners at the Mind Media Awards 2012. The ceremony, hosted by Stephen Fry at the British Film Institute tonight (November 19), recognises the best portrayals and reporting of mental health in the media. The Showtime terrorism series was honoured in the 'Drama' category for its presentation of lead character Carrie Mathison's (Claire Danes) battle with bipolar disorder, which she attempts to keep hidden for the sake of her CIA career. The 'Soap' award went to ITV1's Emmerdale for Zak Dingle's (Steve Halliwell) depression storyline, as he struggles to come to terms with the diagnosis. Elsewhere, Piers Morgan's Life Stories - which saw interviews with a number of celebrities who have experienced mental health problems, such as Frank Bruno, Rolf (more)...
- 11/19/2012
- by By Christian Tobin
- Digital Spy
Emmerdale actor Steve Halliwell has said that he would be "devastated" if his character Zak Dingle was killed off. Producers recently revealed that one of the soap's cast will die during a live episode airing later this month. The scenes mark the 40th anniversary of the show, and 58-year-old Halliwell - who has played farmer Zak for 18 years - hopes that he will not be the one to go. "I'd be devastated," he told Pa when considering the possibility that Zak may be killed off. "You've got financial commitments, and you get to a certain age where you don't want to go back to square one. Personally I'd be devastated if they killed Zak." Fellow cast member Tony Audenshaw - who has played barman Bob Hope for 12 years - revealed that he is less worried about being written out of the show. "It's (more)...
- 10/6/2012
- by By Alison Rowley
- Digital Spy
Digital Spy presents the full list of winners at the Inside Soap Awards 2012. Best Actor
Chris Gascoyne (Peter Barlow, Coronation Street)
Shane Richie (Alfie Moon, EastEnders)
Steve Halliwell (Zak Dingle, Emmerdale)
Emmett J Scanlan (Brendan Brady, Hollyoaks) - Winner! Best Actress
Michelle Keegan (Tina McIntyre, Coronation Street)
Linda Henry (Shirley Carter, EastEnders)
Gillian Wright (Jean Slater, EastEnders) - Winner!
Karen Hassan (Lynsey Nolan, Hollyoaks) Best Young Actor
Alex Bain (Simon Barlow, Coronation Street) - Winner!
Maisie Smith (Tiffany Butcher, EastEnders)
Eden Taylor-Draper (Belle Dingle, Emmerdale)
Ellis Hollins (Tom Cunningham, Hollyoaks) Best Newcomer
Natalie Gumede (Kirsty Soames, Coronation Street)
Hetti (more)...
Chris Gascoyne (Peter Barlow, Coronation Street)
Shane Richie (Alfie Moon, EastEnders)
Steve Halliwell (Zak Dingle, Emmerdale)
Emmett J Scanlan (Brendan Brady, Hollyoaks) - Winner! Best Actress
Michelle Keegan (Tina McIntyre, Coronation Street)
Linda Henry (Shirley Carter, EastEnders)
Gillian Wright (Jean Slater, EastEnders) - Winner!
Karen Hassan (Lynsey Nolan, Hollyoaks) Best Young Actor
Alex Bain (Simon Barlow, Coronation Street) - Winner!
Maisie Smith (Tiffany Butcher, EastEnders)
Eden Taylor-Draper (Belle Dingle, Emmerdale)
Ellis Hollins (Tom Cunningham, Hollyoaks) Best Newcomer
Natalie Gumede (Kirsty Soames, Coronation Street)
Hetti (more)...
- 9/24/2012
- by By Mayer Nissim
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street has picked up the most nominations on the Inside Soap Awards 2012 shortlist. The Weatherfield drama leads the way this year with 16 nods in total, compared to 13 for EastEnders, 12 for Hollyoaks and 7 for Emmerdale. This year's 'Best Actor' category is a battle between Coronation Street's Chris Gascoyne (Peter Barlow), EastEnders' Shane Richie (Alfie Moon), Emmerdale's Steve Halliwell (Zak Dingle) and Hollyoaks' Emmett Scanlan (Brendan Brady). The 'Best Actress' category, meanwhile, features Weatherfield's Michelle Keegan (Tina McIntyre), Walford's Linda Henry and Gillian Wright (Shirley Carter and Jean Slater) and departed Hollyoaks favourite Karen Hassan (Lynsey Nolan). Natalie Gumede (Coronation Street), Hetti Bywater (EastEnders), (more)...
- 9/17/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Emmerdale's Steve Halliwell has reiterated that he is "happy to stay" playing Zak Dingle on Emmerdale. The actor, who has previously said he would like to play Zak "forever", made his debut on the show in 1994 but said he still feels like a new addition to the soap. Speaking to Pa ahead of the upcoming 40th anniversary episode, he said: "I still feel like a bit of a newcomer but when it comes up to 40 years and I realise I've been in it 18 or 19, I've been there nearly half of that. It's unbelievable how time flies. "It's odd when young actors and actresses come on and say, 'I've been watching you since I was that height', and I think, 'Have you?'" (more)...
- 9/14/2012
- by By Paul Martinovic
- Digital Spy
Emmerdale legend Steve Halliwell has outlined his intention to stick with the soap indefinitely. Halliwell's character Zak arrived with the Dingle family in 1994 and has been the patriarch ever since. "I'll be playing dad Dingle for as long as they want me," he declared to Inside Soap. "It's been great to be one of the Dingles since day one. They've made a little bit of television history." The 58-year-old then joked: "They've also created a lot of jobs for actors because there have been so many of us!" Speaking about his Inside Soap Award nomination (more)...
- 8/9/2012
- by By Paul Millar
- Digital Spy
Steve Halliwell will stay in 'Emmerdale' for ''as long as'' he is wanted. The 58-year-old actor - who plays local crook Zak Dingle in the ITV soap - admits he is delighted to have been in the role since 1994 and has no intention of leaving as long as bosses want to keep him in. He said: ''It's been great to be one of the Dingles since day one. They've made a little bit of television history. They've also created a lot of jobs for actors because there have been so many of us! ''I'll be playing dad Dingle for as long as...
- 8/7/2012
- Virgin Media - TV
Emmerdale star Steve Halliwell has said that he is pleased Zak Dingle's loan shark storyline has shown "another side" to the character. Viewers have this year seen Zak become dependent on a money lender after being sectioned under the Mental Health Act. Halliwell explained that in order to convey a more vulnerable side to a character who usually tries to "sort everything out with his fists", he has chosen to dive into darker areas of his own psyche. "Fans have seen another side to him," he told Daybreak. "The guy who can sort everything out (more)...
- 7/12/2012
- by By Daniel Sperling
- Digital Spy
Emmerdale star Steve Halliwell has said that his current storyline has seen him being pushed as an actor. Halliwell's character Zak Dingle has suffered a mental breakdown in recent months, and is currently facing financial issues with a loanshark on the soap. "[Fans have] seen another side to him. The guy who can sort everything out with his fists, he's realised that's not always the answer," he told Daybreak. "It was difficult because to make it real you have to go there in your mind to places you don't want to and trigger off emotions." Halliwell explained that many viewers have contacted him to say that they have related (more)...
- 7/10/2012
- by By Tom Eames
- Digital Spy
The full longlist for the Inside Soap Awards 2012 has been announced, with stars from Coronation Street, EastEnders, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks battling it out in a number of categories. Daytime soaps Doctors, Home and Away and Neighbours are also up for gongs, as are dramas Casualty, Holby City and Waterloo Road. Here, Soap Scoop presents the full nominations list: Best Actor
Chris Fountain (Tommy Duckworth, Coronation Street)
Chris Gascoyne (Peter Barlow, Coronation Street)
Alan Halsall (Tyrone Dobbs, Coronation Street)
Steve McFadden (Phil Mitchell, EastEnders)
Shane Richie (Alfie Moon, EastEnders)
Jake Wood (Max Branning, EastEnders)
Steve Halliwell (Zak Dingle, Emmerdale)
John Middleton (Ashley Thomas, Emmerdale)
Dominic Power (more)...
Chris Fountain (Tommy Duckworth, Coronation Street)
Chris Gascoyne (Peter Barlow, Coronation Street)
Alan Halsall (Tyrone Dobbs, Coronation Street)
Steve McFadden (Phil Mitchell, EastEnders)
Shane Richie (Alfie Moon, EastEnders)
Jake Wood (Max Branning, EastEnders)
Steve Halliwell (Zak Dingle, Emmerdale)
John Middleton (Ashley Thomas, Emmerdale)
Dominic Power (more)...
- 7/9/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
The nominations longlist for the Inside Soap Awards 2012 has been announced today (July 9). Soap fans can cast their votes across 14 categories, celebrating the highlights and best performances from the past 12 months. As with previous years, the longlist sees nominees from Coronation Street, EastEnders, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks represented equally across most of the categories, which include 'Best Actor', 'Best Actress', 'Best Newcomer' and 'Best Young Actor'. The 12 stars in the running for this year's 'Best Actor' prize include Coronation Street's Chris Gascoyne, EastEnders' Steve McFadden, Emmerdale's Steve Halliwell and Hollyoaks' Emmett Scanlan. Meanwhile, Alison King (Coronation Street), Jessie Wallace (EastEnders), Lucy Pargeter (Emmerdale) (more)...
- 7/9/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
The shortlist nominations for the TV Choice Awards 2012 have been revealed today (July 3). Now in its 16th year, the ceremony will take place on Monday, September 10 at The Dorchester hotel in London, hosted by Jo Brand. The soap-related categories are 'Best Soap Actor', 'Best Soap Actress', 'Best Soap Newcomer' and 'Best Soap'. See the soap nominees in full below: Best Soap Actor
Chris Fountain (Tommy Duckworth, Coronation Street)
Shane Richie (Alfie Moon, EastEnders)
Steve Halliwell (Zak Dingle, Emmerdale)
Emmett Scanlan (Brendan Brady, Hollyoaks) Best Soap Actress
Alison King (Carla Connor, Coronation Street)
Michelle Keegan (Tina McIntyre, Coronation Street)
Charlie Brooks (Janine Butcher, EastEnders)
Jo Joyner (Tanya Jessop, EastEnders) (more)...
Chris Fountain (Tommy Duckworth, Coronation Street)
Shane Richie (Alfie Moon, EastEnders)
Steve Halliwell (Zak Dingle, Emmerdale)
Emmett Scanlan (Brendan Brady, Hollyoaks) Best Soap Actress
Alison King (Carla Connor, Coronation Street)
Michelle Keegan (Tina McIntyre, Coronation Street)
Charlie Brooks (Janine Butcher, EastEnders)
Jo Joyner (Tanya Jessop, EastEnders) (more)...
- 7/3/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
'Emmerdale's Zak Dingle will pretend his cancer has returned. The unemployed poacher's mental state has been declining ever since he assaulted his own son Cain and left him for dead and rather than admit he has been diagnosed with a mental health disorder, Zak will tell his wife Lisa his testicular cancer is back and is now terminal. Steve Halliwell - who plays Zak - told Soaplife: ''He's half aware of what he is doing but reality and fantasy have become very blurred. He's feeling so unwell he's convinced they've missed something. He gets very angry when the doctor refuses...
- 4/24/2012
- Virgin Media - TV
Emmerdale's Zak Dingle loses his temper when Chas and Diane refuse to serve him at The Woolpack in Wednesday night's (March 28) episode of the soap. Zak (Steve Halliwell) is furious when Chas (Lucy Pargeter) explains that they're not letting him drink there following a request from Lisa, who has started to share her concerns about his recent behaviour. A frustrated Zak then throws a pint in his fury, (more)...
- 3/27/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Emmerdale's Zak Dingle continues to behave erratically with an angry outburst at The Woolpack in tonight's (March 7) episode of the soap. Zak (Steve Halliwell) starts the day by heading to work at Home Farm with Sam, who hasn't told him that he's already been sacked by Declan. Sam (James Hooton) hopes that his dad will be granted another chance from the ruthless businessman, but Declan (Jason Merrells) isn't pleased to see Zak and (more)...
- 3/7/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Emmerdale's Lisa Dingle begs Cain to do the right thing for both Zak and Jai in tonight's episode of the soap. Zak (Steve Halliwell) is still threatening to hand himself in to the police if Cain doesn't clear Jai's name, so Lisa (Jane Cox) heads round to the bad boy's home and asks him to step in before it's too late. Lisa knows that the Dingle family will be shattered unless Cain (Jeff Hordley) confesses that Jai wasn't (more)...
- 1/9/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Emmerdale star Steve Halliwell has admitted that he would never condone the violent actions of his character Zak Dingle. Yesterday evening, viewers discovered that Zak was responsible for last month's brutal attack on his son Cain (Jeff Hordley), which saw the bad boy beaten up and left for dead. Zak took matters into his own hands after Cain set out to destroy a number of lives in the village, but Halliwell today told This Morning that he did not agree with his alter ego's terrible decision. Halliwell explained: "I would say that violence... it's not something that you should use, really. I don't think it should ever be used. I think we should sort our problems out without it."
Pictured: Steve Halliwell on This Morning. Speaking of how he prepared for last night's emotional showdown scenes between Zak (more)...
Pictured: Steve Halliwell on This Morning. Speaking of how he prepared for last night's emotional showdown scenes between Zak (more)...
- 1/6/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Emmerdale's Zak Dingle has been revealed as his son Cain's attacker, bringing the soap's month-long mystery storyline to a climax. Zak, played by Steve Halliwell, spoke candidly about his brutal act as he had a showdown with Cain in tonight's (Thursday's) double bill of the show. Realising that he couldn't let Jai Sharma (Chris Bisson) take the blame for his crime, Zak paid a visit to Cain (Jeff Hordley) and urged him to stop lying to the police. Zak said: "You know damn well that it wasn't Jai. Because you know damn well it were me!" Explaining his motive, Zak confirmed that he was appalled after seeing Cain destroy so many lives in the village - especially with his mistreatment of troubled teen Amy Wyatt (Chelsea Halfpenny) after getting her pregnant. Zak raged: "You've always done damage. And (more)...
- 1/5/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Emmerdale has now aired its highly-anticipated 'Judgement Day' episodes, which saw Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) finally get his comeuppance as one of his enemies brutally attacked him. A recent Digital Spy poll saw our readers predict that John Barton would be the culprit, but now we're keen to see whether the dramatic episodes have changed people's opinions. Emmerdale bosses have named John (James Thornton), Moira (Natalie J Robb), Jai (Chris Bisson), Charity (Emma Atkins), Amy (Chelsea Halfpenny) and Zak (Steve Halliwell) as the main six suspects - but who took matters into their own hands by carrying out the ultimate revenge? Viewers won't find out the (more)...
- 12/8/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Emmerdale star Jeff Hordley has revealed that he only recently discovered the identity of Cain Dingle's attacker. The soap launches a dramatic mystery storyline later this week as one of Cain's enemies brutally attacks him before leaving him for dead. Emmerdale bosses have named John and Moira Barton (James Thornton and Natalie J Robb), Jai Sharma (Chris Bisson), Charity Tate (Emma Atkins), Amy Wyatt (Chelsea Halfpenny) and Zak Dingle (Steve Halliwell) as the main six suspects in the case, but viewers will not discover who was responsible until the New Year. Hordley told This Morning today that he and his fellow cast members were also in the dark for much of the filming process. "You don't find out until January - it's absolutely brilliant," he explained. "I know [who it is] now - (more)...
- 12/6/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Emmerdale star Jeff Hordley has revealed that he has more sympathy for the Bartons than any of Cain Dingle's other enemies. Cain recently caused turmoil in the family by embarking on an affair with Moira (Natalie J Robb) and later revealing the truth to her furious husband John (James Thornton). His antics mean that both John and Moira will become suspects when Cain is brutally attacked by a mystery assailant later this week. Amy Wyatt (Chelsea Halfpenny), Jai Sharma (Chris Bisson), Charity Tate (Emma Atkins) and Zak Dingle (Steve Halliwell) will also be in the frame in the weeks following the shock incident. Hordley told the Daily Record: "Of all the six suspects, I think the Bartons are the ones that get the short straw. He's always fancied Moira. He's never got on with John and he saw an opportunity there with (more)...
- 12/5/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Emmerdale star Jeff Hordley has predicted that viewers will have no sympathy for Cain Dingle when he is brutally attacked next week. Cain finally gets his comeuppance in a week's time when one of his enemies lashes out in dramatic fashion before leaving him for dead. Emmerdale bosses have named John and Moira Barton (James Thornton and Natalie J Robb), Charity Tate (Emma Atkins), Jai Sharma (Chris Bisson), Amy Wyatt (Chelsea Halfpenny) and Zak Dingle (Steve Halliwell) as the main six suspects in the case. All have found themselves affected by Cain's destructive behaviour in recent months. Hordley told TV Choice: "It's quite a long list, isn't it? People will probably think he has got what he deserves. I'd be surprised if many people will say, 'Poor Cain!' when they see him all (more)...
- 12/1/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Jane Cox has revealed that she would be very unhappy if her Emmerdale character Lisa Dingle were to split from her husband Zak (Steve Halliwell). Fans of the Dales-based soap have seen the Dingles gripped in a crisis, after Lisa revealed that she was raped by family friend Derek Benrose (Stephen Bent). Zak has struggled to cope with the aftermath of the trauma, which has put an increasing strain on his relationship with a confused and hurt Lisa. Cox told Inside Soap that she is flattered by the warm reception the plot has received from fans. "I've (more)...
- 4/28/2011
- by By Naomi Rainey
- Digital Spy
Emmerdale actor Steve Halliwell has said that the Dingles are fan favourites because of their old-fashioned family values. Halliwell, who plays Zak, the head of the Dingle clan, told Pa that despite their get-rich-quick schemes, the family always put each other before money. He said: "They have the old-fashioned family values. Despite them being petty thieves and a bit part of the under class of life, they still hold those (more)...
- 11/19/2010
- by By Naomi Rainey
- Digital Spy
ITV soap Emmerdale has announced details of its first ever feature-length DVD spinoff, which is to centre around the Dingle family. Dingles For Richer For Poorer will explore two parallel futures for the show's long-standing clan after they purchase a Eurobillions rollover ticket in the hope of winning a fortune. Zak (Steve Halliwell) and Belle (Eden Taylor-Draper) buy the ticket following financial struggles for the family, who have been forced to eat scraps and sell old bric-a-brac to make ends meet. As the story continues, viewers are presented with two very (more)...
- 8/27/2010
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
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