Zak Dingle
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| Emmerdale character | |
 |
|
| Zak Dingle | |
|---|---|
| Played by | Steve Halliwell |
| Duration | 1994- |
| Date of birth | 19th January 1952 |
| Date of death | |
| Marital status | Married |
| Occupation | Home Farm Games Keeper |
| Family | Lisa, Sam, Cain, Belle, Ben, Tina, Nathan, Albert, Shadrach, Jed, Peg, Ezra, Caleb, Zebediah |
Zachariah "Zak" Bartholomew Dingle is a fictional character on the ITV soap opera Emmerdale. He is played by Steve Halliwell. Zak is portrayed as a rogueish, but likeable petty-criminal.
[edit] About Zak
Zak first appeared on the show in 1994 having a fight with Bernard McAllister over his son Luke allegedly causing the death of Ben, Zak's son.
As the head of the troublesome Dingle clan, Zak is no stranger to drama. His first wife Nellie left him and he saw two of his sons, Ben and Butch, die in tragic circumstances.
But Zak soldiers on, ever hopeful that the Dingle family can overcome all obstacles.
In 1996 many of Zak’s prayers were answered when he met Lisa Clegg. The voluptuous pig farmer was instantly smitten with him and, after a few hiccups, the couple finally married in 1998.
That Christmas the couple got an especially welcome Christmas present when Lisa - who had no idea she was pregnant - gave birth to their daughter Belle.
In 2000, Zak and Lisa’s marriage was put to its toughest test yet when his ex-wife Nellie returned to the Village.
With tensions between the trio rising, Lisa moved out. Then tragedy struck when Zak’s son Butch was killed in a bus crash.
Since Lisa had mended the bus before it was declared roadworthy, Zak blamed her for the accident and it looked like the marriage was over for good. But Zak couldn’t let go that easily and an uneasy truce was declared - largely for the sake of Belle.
In 2001, Zak has the uneasy task of telling violent Cain that he was his real father. After some violent words, the two men accepted the situation and a bond developed between them.
Zak’s health taook a turn for the worse a few months later when he discovered he has testicular cancer. Zak's illness ensured he got all his problems in perspective and his marriage was put firmly back on track.
But any domestic harmony that was to be had was shattered when Zak’s horrible mother Peg came to stay. Zak blames Peg for the death of his father, Jed, believing she murdered him. When the truth is revealed that Zak’s dad deserted them, a truce is declared and, when Peg leaves the village, there’s a better understanding between them.
Zak shocked his family when he disappeared to Chile in search of the Dingle fortune.
While he was away, Lisa became close to Eddie Hope and it looked as if Zak may had lost his wife for good. But Lisa still loved the old scoundrel and, on his return, they reconciled.
In 2005, Zak was saddened when his son Sam leaft Emmerdale to start a new life with his girlfriend Alice Wilson in Norfolk. Losing Sam made Zak more protective of the other members of his family.
When it was revealed that his granddaughter Debbie had been sleeping with Andy Sugden, Zak hit the roof - and Andy! The fling came back to haunt them when Debbie gives birth to baby Sarah Dingle nine months later, having concealed her pregnancy from everyone.
Like the rest of the family, Zak was delighted that baby Sarah is safe and well and welcomed her into the fold. However, Debbie couldn’t cope with being a mum and despite Zak’s best efforts to get through to her, he’s devastated when she gives up the baby into the care of Emily Kirk who subsequently disappeared.
With Debbie gone, Zak was thrown into a new crisis when Sam arrived back in Emmerdale and to;d him he’s also about to be a father.
Tragedy struck when Sam’s fiancée Alice is diagnosed with cancer and the family rallied round as the couple try to come to terms with the situation.
Under Zak’s guidance, Sam gaves Alice all the support she could wish for and the couple were delighted when baby Samson was born.
Their happiness was shortlived though, as Alice was told her illness just as she was preparing to marry Sam. The entire family were devastated by the diagnosis but Zak was determined to see Sam through the tough times ahead.
[edit] Family
- Father: Jedediah Dingle (deceased)
- Mother: Peg Dingle
- Brothers: Ezra Dingle, Albert Dingle, Caleb Dingle, Shadrach Dingle, Zebediah Dingle
- Wife: Lisa Dingle
- Sons: Nathan Dingle, Ben Dingle (deceased), Butch Dingle ,(deceased), Sam Dingle, Cain Dingle
- Daughters: Tina Dingle, Belle Dingle
- Grandson: Samson Dingle
- Granddaughter: Debbie Dingle
- Great granddaughter: Sarah Dingle
- Nephews: Marlon Dingle, Eli Dingle
- Nieces: Mandy Dingle, Chas Dingle, Lilith Dingle, Delilah Dingle
- Great nephews: Aaron Livesy, Luke Dingle, Matthew Dingle, Mark Dingle
- Great niece: Jon Dingle
- Uncle: Bert Dingle
- Cousin: Obadiah Dingle
- First cousin once removed: Charity Tate
- Second cousins: Debbie Dingle, Noah Tate
