ITV Emmerdale fans see Zak Dingle's 'long-lost identical twin'

Emmerdale fans were left open-mouthed after the actor made his soap debut

Zak Dingle played by Steve Halliwell(Image: ITV)

Emmerdale viewers were left stunned after a character who bore an uncanny resemblance to Zak Dingle made his debut on the soap. Legendary character Zak, played by Steve Halliwell, first appeared in 1994 and died off-screen last month.

In reality, actor Steve had died in December last year at the age of 77. Zak’s sons Cain (Jeff Hordley) and Sam (James Hooton) traveled to Scotland to bring his body back to the village. Zak’s funeral took place a few weeks ago amid emotional scenes. Additionally, Zak’s Tina Dingle (Samantha Power) returned after 28 years away from the soap.

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Zak’s death had a significant impact on the Dingle family, as he was the patriarch. However, during Thursday’s (October 31) episode, viewers were shocked to see a character who looked remarkably like Zak Dingle.

During a scene where Charity (Emma Atkins) spoke to Ross (Mike Parr) about their child Moses, fans were distracted by an extra in the background who looked strikingly like Zak Dingle. Some fans even suggested that this could be Zak’s long-lost brother or twin, reports Leeds Live.

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On an Emmerdale Facebook fan page, a viewer shared a photo of the Zak Dingle lookalike and said: “Zack is back!” Other fans agreed, with one saying: “Omg I thought it was him for a second.” Another added: “That’s what I thought when I looked at it.”

Fans of the soap were shocked and abuzz with speculation, suggesting Mason may be related to Zak. The tweets flew, with one fan speculating, “It’s Zak’s estranged twin brother…,” prompting a humorous exchange when another fan chimed in, “Don’t give them ideas!” A third fan jokingly predicted: “It’ll be Emmerdale next. storyline, check it out.”

A scene from Emmerdale in which an extra looks remarkably like Zak Dingle

Can you see the Zak lookalike in the background?(Image: Emmerdale)

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Since his first appearance on the show in October 1994, Steve became an essential part of the Dingle family, and although Zak was originally intended for a short period, he turned into one of the village’s most iconic characters. The Emmerdale team expressed their heartfelt sadness after Steve passed away last year, saying: “It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that Emmerdale can confirm that Steve Halliwell, our beloved Zak Dingle, has passed away peacefully.”

They continued to express their deepest condolences: “All our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and loved ones at this very difficult time, and we ask that their privacy be respected as they mourn his loss.”

Finally, in honor of his legacy, they said: ‘Steve will forever be synonymous with Emmerdale. The proud defender and head of the Dingle family. With heart and humor in everything he did, it was and always will be impossible not to smile when you think of him.”