Who is Steve Halliwell’s wife Valerie and how many times has he been married?
EMMERDALE’S much loved actor Steve Halliwell has sadly passed away aged 77.
The soap star – who played the role of Zak Dingle – leaves behind his wife Valerie.
Who is Steve Halliwell’s wife Valerie?
Legendary Emmerdale star Steve Halliwell was married to wife Valerie since the 1970s.
Sadly, the actor passed away on December 15, 2023.
Steve’s family confirmed he had died peacefully surrounded by his loved ones.
They said: “He was making us laugh to the end.
“The most amazing father and grandfather you could ever wish for, family was everything to him.
“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 began playing Zak – the patriarch of the Dingle family – on the ITV show in 1994.
He was forced to take time away from the screen in 2003 after spending time at an rehabilitation centre.
Steve had a further period off in 2018 after undergoing heart surgery and having a pacemaker fitted.
Emmerdale also paid tribute to Steve, and said in a statement: “It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that Emmerdale can confirm that Steve Halliwell, our beloved Zak Dingle, has peacefully passed away.
“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.”
How many times has Steve Halliwell been married?
Steve was married once before, so was wed twice during his life.
The soap star was previously married to his childhood sweetheart Susan but they later divorced.
They reportedly met in a dance hall when they were teenagers.
Does Steve Halliwell have any children?
It is reported that Steve had three children.
His daughter Charlotte is known for setting up Interchange Performing Arts in Bury in early 2018.
The drama school’s name comes from Interchange Theatre, a company for the unemployed, which was founded by her parents in 1979.
Speaking to Bury Times about Steve in 2018, Charlotte said: “It is amazing that dad is so supportive.
“He really believes in what I’m doing.”