Emmerdale is set to deliver a deeply emotional week as the Dingle family marks the first anniversary of Zak Dingle’s death. Long-time viewers will remember Zak as the proud heart of the Dingle clan, played for over 30 years by the late Steve Halliwell, whose passing in 2023 left fans devastated.

Remembering a True Emmerdale Legend

Zak’s on-screen farewell aired in 2024, when the Dingle family learned of his death through Debbie Dingle’s (Charley Webb) heartbreaking phone call to Moira (Natalie J Robb). In those poignant scenes, Cain (Jeff Hordley) and Sam (James Hooton) travelled to Scotland to bring Zak home, before the family gathered to lay him to rest on Dingle land.

The funeral brought several emotional returns, including Zak’s daughter Tina, whose comeback shocked viewers after it was revealed that she is Vinny Dingle’s (Bradley Johnson) biological mother.

Next week, the family’s grief resurfaces as they gather once again — this time to honour Zak’s memory on the anniversary of his death.

Cain’s Downward Spiral

While Sam and Belle (Eden Taylor-Draper) prepare to visit Zak’s grave, one family member is noticeably absent. Cain, still reeling from the murder of his son Nate (Jurrell Carter), remains consumed by revenge.

After tracking John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth) across Europe, Cain returns to the village a broken man. Unable to process his grief, he turns to alcohol and shuts himself off from the people who need him most.

When Moira reminds him of Zak’s anniversary and urges him to reconnect with his family, Cain refuses to listen, leaving Belle and Sam heartbroken as they face the day without him.

Belle and Sam Unite in Grief

At Zak’s grave, Belle and Sam reflect on their father’s legacy — his humour, his stubbornness, and his unshakable love for family. The tender moment reminds them of what the Dingles stand for: loyalty, resilience, and togetherness, even in pain.

But as they speak about Zak, their concern for Cain only deepens. With his self-destruction worsening, the family fears that he may follow a similar tragic path unless someone reaches him in time.

A Crossover Twist?

In an unexpected turn, Emmerdale fans have spotted what could be a link to Coronation Street. A wanted poster for John Sugden recently appeared in Weatherfield Police Station, suggesting the fugitive might soon appear on the cobbles.

If true, the crossover — nicknamed “Corriedale” by fans — would see actor Oliver Farnworth return to Coronation Street, where he previously played Andy Carver. It’s a nod that has both soaps’ audiences buzzing.