ITV Emmerdale stars who’ve sadly died – from Steve Halliwell to Dale Meeks

Over the past few years, Emmerdale has bid farewell to several beloved actors who have made significant contributions to the soap.

Emmerdale, one of the UK’s most cherished long-running TV dramas, has been captivating audiences since its first episode in 1972. The show’s rich history continues to deliver gripping storylines that keep fans glued to their screens.

The loss of these actors signifies not only the departure of exceptional talents but also the individuals who became like family to millions of viewers tuning in every night. Their performances left a lasting impact on the series, creating moments that deeply resonated with fans.

Following the recent tribute to Zak Dingle after the real-life actor’s passing, we’ve decided to look back at other stars from the show who have sadly passed away.

Steve Halliwell – Zak Dingle

Steve Halliwell, who portrayed the iconic Zak Dingle, sadly passed away on December 15, 2023, aged 77. Steve first graced Emmerdale in 1994, and his rugged yet compassionate character quickly won over fans.

As the head of the Dingle clan, Zak represented resilience, loyalty, and a profound connection to the land and village life. Over nearly three decades, Steve’s performances vividly depicted many of Zak’s struggles, from mental health battles to family conflicts and romantic relationships.

His final scenes, which aired in mid-2023, provided a touching goodbye, and his loss was deeply felt by his co-stars, who remembered him as a generous and kind-hearted presence on set.

Meg Johnson – Pearl Ladderbanks

Meg Johnson, who portrayed the lively Pearl Ladderbanks from 2003 until her retirement in 2020, sadly passed away on July 1, 2023, at the age of 86.

Pearl was a vibrant character known for her eccentric outfits, playful sense of humour, and for being at the heart of village drama. Meg’s performance brought a sense of charm and humanity to the role, allowing viewers to connect with Pearl’s struggles, especially in her storylines about aging and vulnerability.

Off-screen, Meg was remembered as a ‘true’ professional with a sharp wit and warm personality.

Dale Meeks – Simon Meredith

Actor Dale Meeks, who played the friendly Simon Meredith from 2003 to 2006, tragically passed away on April 22, 2023, at the age of 47. During his time on Emmerdale, Simon was a likeable and down-to-earth character whose relationship with Nicola Blackstock was a highlight of his storyline.

Outside of the soap, Dale was a versatile actor with a rich career that included previous roles in Byker Grove and appearances in various theatre productions, including the West End.

His sudden and untimely passing shocked the entertainment world, and tributes poured in from friends and fans who remembered him as a talented performer with an infectious warm personality.

Sam Gannon – Kev

Sam Gannon, who graced our screens as Kev in Emmerdale back in 2019, tragically passed away on August 2, 2022, at the tender age of 31. Despite his short stint on the soap, Sam’s portrayal of the upbeat and affable Kev left a lasting impact on viewers.

Off-screen, he was renowned for his love of music and theatre, as well as his mentoring work with budding actors. His sudden death while visiting family in California sent shockwaves through his loved ones and the Emmerdale community.

Tributes poured in, painting him as a gifted young man with a promising future, whose premature passing was a heartbreaking loss to the performing arts world.

Paula Tilbrook – Betty Eagleton

Paula Tilbrook, who brought to life the sharp-witted yet lovable Betty Eagleton from 1994 to 2015, sadly passed away on December 1, 2019, aged 89.

Betty was a firm favourite among fans, known for her penchant for gossip and her close bonds with other villagers, especially Seth Armstrong. Paula infused the role with warmth, humour, and authenticity, making Betty one of the most cherished characters in the soap’s history.

After hanging up her acting shoes, Paula led a quiet life but remained adored by fans. Her passing was met with an outpouring of sorrow and fond reminiscences of her time on Emmerdale.

Freddie Jones – Sandy Thomas

Freddie Jones, who portrayed Sandy Thomas from 2005 to 2018, sadly passed away on July 9, 2019, at the ripe age of 91. Freddie, renowned for his extensive career spanning film, television, and theatre, brought a certain warmth to the role of Sandy, the father of Ashley Thomas.

Sandy was a gentle and wise figure in the village, often dispensing advice to his son and others. Freddie’s depiction of the character’s battles with aging and loss deeply touched viewers.

Off-screen, Freddie was remembered as a kind-hearted and humble individual who inspired countless actors with his unwavering commitment to acting.

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