Alert – Emmerdale star James Hooton’s voice breaks as he fights back emotion while paying tribute to the late Steve Halliwell

Emmerdale star James Hooton struggled to control his emotions as he spoke fondly of his late co-star Steve Halliwell. 

The actor, who plays Sam Dingle, became emotional as he opened up about the soap’s plans to film Steve’s character’s passing later this summer. 

Steve, who was best known for playing Zak Dingle, peacefully passed away in a hospice surrounded by his family in December of last year. 

He was the second longest serving cast member in Emmerdale after joining the cast in 1994. He played the head of the Dingle household and was involved in several explosive storylines alongside his on-off wife Lisa Dingle (Jane Cox).

Appearing on Loose Women on Wednesday, James, who has been on the soap for 30 years, became emotional as he paid tribute to his friend.

Emmerdale star James Hooton voice broke as he fought back emotion while paying tribute to the late Steve Halliwell during his appearance on Loose Women on Wednesday 

Steve, who was best known for playing Zak Dingle, peacefully passed away in a hospice surrounded by his family in December of last year

As host Christine Lampard said: ‘We were just talking about Zack Dingle. The iconic character that is Zack Dingle and the wonderful Steve Halliwell, and there’s a little nod to that coming up in the show I believe.’ 

As the audience applauded, James replied: ‘I think it’s August we start filming which sort of tackles Zack passing away.’

Fighting back tears, James’ voice then dropped as he added: ‘Obviously, Steve passed away at the back end of last year, with his funeral early this year.

‘So, I don’t know how much the story unfolds at the moment but I think it’s going to be really respectful passing of a really iconic Emmerdale character.’

Christine then added: ‘I still think of him being there. With the Dingle’s and the whole back story of them. ‘

You must really feel it as a cast when a big character like that’. 

James then concluded: ‘Absolutely he was a good friend of mine.’

James was also joined by his on screen son Samson, played by Sam Hall, as they discussed their current soap storyline which involves Samson lying about Matty Barton (Ash Palmisciano) stabbing him, which led to Matty’s imprisonment.

Fighting back tears, James’ voice dropped as he explained: ‘Obviously, Steve passed away at the back end of last year, with his funeral early this year’ 

He added: ‘So, I don’t know how much the story unfolds at the moment but I think it’s going to be really respectful passing of a really iconic Emmerdale character’

James was also joined by his on screen son Samson, played by Sam Hall, as they discussed their c urrent soap storyline which involves Samson lying about Matty Barton (Ash Palmisciano) stabbing him, which led to Matty’s imprisonment

Steve passed away in December, as his family paid tribute to the ‘amazing father and grandfather’ in a heartfelt statement, sharing: ‘He went to sleep, peacefully with his loved ones around him. 

‘He was making us laugh to the end, the most amazing father and grandfather you could ever wish for, family was everything to him.’

They added: ‘We would like to thank the wonderful staff at St James Hospital and the Wheatfield Hospice for their love and kindness in his final days. He didn’t want sadness, just to rejoice in a life well lived.’ 

Steve was survived by his wife Val and their daughter Charlotte. 

ITV shared: ‘All our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and loved ones through this very difficult time, and we’d request that their privacy is respected as they grieve for his loss.

‘Steve will forever be synonymous with Emmerdale. The proud defender and head of the Dingle family. 

‘Heart and humour in all he did, it has been and always will be impossible not to smile when you think of him.

Steve’s co-stars were quick to pay tribute, with Lisa Riley – who played his on-screen daughter Mandy Dingle – sharing on Instagram: ‘My dearest Steve….love you so much you are now finally at peace. Thank you for years of laughter, you were still laughing right up to the end. 

Steve played the head of the Dingle household on Emmerdale and was involved in several explosive storylines alongside his on-off wife Lisa Dingle (played by Jane Cox) 

Pictured on the soap with (L-R) Marlon Dingle, as played by Mark Charnock ; Mandy Dingle, as played Lisa Riley; Butch Dingle as played by Paul Loughran

‘Adored, loved,respected by us all, a LEGEND in my eyes that’s for sure-we have stories and memories to last for many more years to come. Sleep well Stevie-our prayers of strength go to Charlotte, Val and Angelina at this really difficult time…our extended family “That boy from Bury did good” #dingle #family #restinpeace #love #legend #memory #rip @emmerdale #emmerdale.’ 

As Emmerdale shared the news on their Instagram account, Danny Miller, who plays Aaron Livesy, commented: ‘We’ll miss you Steve. Rest well my friend ❤️’ 

Michelle Hardwick, who plays Vanessa Woodfield, shared: ‘A wonderful man, will be greatly missed. Thinking of his family at this sad time, rest in peace Steve ♥️’

Kelvin Fletcher, who played Andy Sugden, wrote: ‘What a man and what a legacy. So many incredible memories. We had some fun. God Bless ❤️’