Former Emmerdale star says 'that got me' as Lisa Riley among those paying emotional tribute

Adam Thomas was among those emotionally reacting to the latest Emmerdale scenes in which it was confirmed the much-loved Zak Dingle had passed away, coinciding with the loss of actor Steve Halliwell last December.

Cain Dingle was informed himself about his father's passing by wife Moira, after she picked up a call from his daughter Debbie who had been living alongside Zak in Scotland for a number of years.

In an unusual move for the ITV soap, soft music played as Cain was seen visiting each of his family members in turn, starting with Sam and Belle before later visiting the Woolpack to tell half-sister Chas and Marlon the news of Zak's death before the Dingles rallied together.

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By the end of the episode, Cain and Sam decide to leave the village, but only briefly, to bring their father home. They wanted to bring him home to the Dales ahead of his funeral which will air later this week.

Amid the scenes, Emmerdale shared a video on social media in which the likes of Jeff Hordley (Cain), Lucy Pargeter (Chas), Danny Miller (Aaron) and Lisa Riley (Mandy) shared their favourite memories of Steve, who embodied the iconic character for 29 years before his death, aged 77.

Sharing the video to his Instagram Story, Adam, who played Adam Barton, the son of Moira Dingle in the long-running show, said: "Aww man this got to me. RIP Steve, you beautiful man."

Meanwhile, Lisa shared the video to her own Instagram page and said: "We love you Steve….and always will #workdad @emmerdale #emmerdale." And her fans and followers were quick to respond.

@sallyanneshairandbeauty said: "Love Emmerdale . Absolutely loved tonight’s episode. You all did him proud." @mussiegirl67 commented: "A moving tribute to the greatest Dingle of them all." @niksou27 wrote: "Oh my word, sobbed last night ~ just sobbed again. What an absolutely beautiful episode last nights was, such a tribute to such a brilliant actor and friend."

@following_footsteps_and_fun posted: "You all did Zak proud, it was simple and touching and paying respect to a good old friend to all of us." @baljitphoenix replied: "Rip Steve. The dingles will never be the same again." @debbieedes added: "Cried my eyes out. So emotional. RiP Zak. Steve was 1 in a million, gone but definitely not forgotten."