Emmerdale brings back 90s icon for Zak Dingle funeral – and she looks completely different
Emmerdale viewers were left stunned after a returning Dingle member was finally revealed - and she looks completely different.
Emmerdale viewers were left stunned after a returning Dingle member was finally revealed – and she looks completely different.
Emmerdale enthusiasts were left stunned when the identity of the returning Dingle family member was finally unveiled – and she’s undergone a total transformation.
This week in the Dales, soap icon Zak Dingle (Steve Halliwell) met his end off-screen. In reality, actor Steve tragically died in December last year at the age of 77.
In light of Steve’s passing, the soap’s creators have incorporated a death storyline. The demise of Zak was confirmed this week, leaving the Dingle family devastated.
A poignant montage saw classical music playing as Cain (Jeff Hordley) informed Belle (Eden Taylor-Draper) and Sam (James Hooton) that their father had died at his residence in Scotland earlier that day.
As Zak resided in Scotland, Cain and Sam journeyed there to retrieve his body and bring him back to the village. Zak’s funeral was held during Thursday’s episode (October 17), reports Leeds Live.
However, the plot took an unexpected twist when a long-lost relative made a surprise appearance at the graveside, stunning the Dingle clan. The identity of the returning Dingle was kept under wraps from viewers – but in the latest episode, it was disclosed to be Tina Dingle, Zak’s daughter.
Following a memorial at the Woolpack, the Dingles transported Zak’s coffin back to Dingle land for burial, as per his wishes. However, the burial was disrupted by the arrival of Sam, Cain and Belle’s sister, Tina.
But the character looked completely different from when the audience last caught a glimpse of her on the show back in 1996. Tina isnt portrayed by Jacqueline Pirie anymore; the role’s been handed over to Samantha Power.
The fandom didn’t waste any time voicing their opinions on Tinas unexpected return. Darting to X, previously referred to as Twitter, one viewer exclaimed: “Just watched Zak’s funeral episode. The big return was brilliant – one I didn’t see coming. A proper traditional Dingle funeral. Happy 30th Anniversary to the Dingle.”
Another fan expressed their shock: “Couldn’t believe who it was when I saw them. They’ve been in another drama before which I also loved..” A third added their surprise: “Seen it wow wasn’t expecting that return at all it’s a good one though.”
Elsewhere on Reddit, an enthusiast contributed: “As for THE return, I’m really, really happy about it. It’s long overdue. There’s so much potential to mine there. I do kind of wish it was the OG, but you can’t have everything I guess.”
Samantha Power, stepping into Tinas shoes, has featured in ‘Brassic’ and graced ‘BBC’s Doctors’. She’s also known for her stint in Channel 5’s Cold Call, led by Sally Lindsay, besides having roles in ‘ Coronation Street ‘ and ‘Holby City’.
Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 and ITVX at 7.30pm
