Emmerdale star Steve Halliwell dies aged 77

Steve Halliwell has died at the age of 77 (Matt Crossick/PA)

Emmerdale star Steve Halliwell, who played Zak Dingle on the ITV soap opera for nearly three decades, has died aged 77.

The actor, who made his first appearance as the Dingle family patriarch in October 1994, died “peacefully with his loved ones around him”, his family said in a statement issued by the broadcaster.