Zak Dingle to return to Emmerdale

Troublemaker Zak Dingle is to return to Emmerdale in the autumn, TV chiefs said today.

Actor Steve Halliwell announced he needed to take a “break” from the weekday soap last year.

The head of the Dingle clan will be back in October at the height of a climactic series of plots which will include the departure of Chris Tate.

Halliwell said today: “I’m delighted to be re-joining Emmerdale after a relaxing six-month break and looking forward to seeing what the writers have got in store for Zak.

“He’s a fantastic character to play and always seems to cause havoc in one way or another.”

He was last seen in December heading to South America in search of hidden treasure.

During the absence his screen wife Lisa has been propositioned by Zak’s brother, Shadrach.

Producer Steve Frost said: “Zak’s antics will no doubt have viewers hooked in no time.”

Meanwhile troubled teenager Ollie Reynolds, played by 20-year-old Vicky Binns, will leave the show later this year, bosses said today.

She has decided to move on after four years in the soap.