Emmerdale’s Cain Dingle fights tears as heartfelt tribute to TV legend marks end of an era

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Cain Dingle smiles poignantly in Emmerdale, while wearing a black suit — Cain paid tribute to his dad Zak in powerful scenes as he took up the mantle of head of the family (Picture: ITV)

Emmerdale’s Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) fought tears as he paid tribute to late dad Zak (Steve Halliwell) before assuming the role of head of the family, a position he was happy to share with Sam (James Hooton).

Zak’s tragic passing was confirmed earlier this week after Debbie (Charley Webb) sent word from Scotland, with Cain taking it upon himself to notify each member of the Dingle clan separately.

The patriarch’s death sent shockwaves through the eponymous village and little time was wasted in marking the impact he had on those who lived there, with Cain and Sam heading up to Scotland to bring their dad home for good.

To respect Zak’s wishes, the family organised a swift burial outside Wishing Well – the place where Zak was at his most happiest.

The farewell brought the entire family together, including an unexpected appearance from Tina Dingle (Samantha Power), who last seen 28 years ago.

Cain struggled to process Zak’s passing, especially as it meant that he was now head of the family – a position that Zak had asked him to take up in the event of his death.

Belle (Eden Taylor-Draper) and Sam were more than convinced that he was up to the job given his penchant for helping his loved ones sort out their problems but Cain didn’t feel qualified, which prompted the siblings to spend the night reminiscing about their dearly departed dad.

Cain unknowingly proved his ability to lead the family when he defended Sam, who was feeling down about the fact that Samson (Sam Hall) was in prison, with Cain reiterating that Sam is the best dad he knows.

Zak Dingle in Emmerdale in his chair — Tribute was paid to beloved Zak as viewers were treated to emotional flashbacks of the Dingle patriarch (Pictured: ITV)

He similarly gave Belle the lift she needed when he told her that Zak thought she was the ‘strongest person he ever met’.

Cain soon dropped the armour and opened up, revealing that he felt like he’d let his dad down by not reading aloud what he’s written during the burial and thus Belle encouraged him to read it to her and Sam now.

What followed was a truly touching tribute, armed with emotional throwback scenes of Zak – the patriarch of Emmerdale’s signature clan – living his best life, surrounded by his loved ones.

Sam, Belle and Cain Dingle stand by Zak's grave in Emmerdale — Cain clutched tightly onto Zak’s hat as he, Sam and Belle visited their dad’s grave (Pictured: ITV)

As morning broke, Belle and Sam accompanied Cain to Zak’s burial site and instead of saying ‘goodbye’ they resolved instead to say ‘morning’.

No, you’re crying.

Left with food for thought after their emotional night, Cain decided to split the honour of being head of the family with brother Sam, believing that Zak was the only one truly capable of being able to shoulder the burden alone.

Cain, Belle and Sam Dingle at Zak's grave in Emmerdale — The end of an era – but the beginning of a new one (Picture: ITV)

The siblings shared a hug and Cain tried on Zak’s signature hat, telling his loved ones that he’s keeping hold of it.

As Sam and Belle returned to Wishing Well, Cain stared up at the sun with a smile, seemingly signifying the beginning of a new era for Emmerdale’s most famous family.

Steve Halliwell, who played Zak between 1994 and 2023, died in December last year. He created a true TV icon across two decades, delivering legendary moment after legendary moment, many of which will live on in the minds of soap fans of all ages for years to come.

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1 or stream from 7am on ITVX.