Steve Halliwell’s character Zak Dingle has been the head of Emmerdale’s iconic Dingle family for decades.

From discovering his secret son Cain, to losing his loving wife Lisa - he has marked himself as a fan favourite on the soap.

However, the actor has been missing from our screens for long periods of time since the start of the year, with no explanation.

Read more: Emmerdale star Emma Atkins’ romance with long-term partner, famous sister and funky home

How old is Steve and where is he from?

Steve was born on 19 March 1946, making him 77 years old. He grew up in Lancashire, England and was raised by parents Fred and Jenny, alongside older brother Clive.

Before taking on the role of Zak in 1994, the actor worked as an apprentice engineer and different jobs in cotton and paper mills.

He did his dramatic training at Mountview Theatre School.

What is Steve's life like away from Emmerdale?

Steve has shared that he sees similarities between himself and his character Zak, stating that he believes he was destined to play the role.

“I can see a pattern to me leading to playing Zak. I went on a journey and it seemed to be my destiny to play this man who I understood,” he previously told TV Times magazine.

“Everything the Dingles had been through, I had too – trouble with the police, fighting, being evicted. And if there were any aspects of Zak's life I hadn't lived, I knew people who had.”

He also opened up about the time that he was arrested while sleeping rough in London.

The soap star stated that he was “so hungry and got very thin”.

He continued by saying that “back then, it was illegal to be homeless”, and he “was arrested for sleeping in an empty Government building.”

“I was sent to Ashford remand prison for two weeks and then I was put on probation and sent home", he added.

Steve later shared that he has experienced many of the same things the Dingles have.

“I was born to play Zak Dingle – the cap really does fit.” he told The Mirror in 2014.

He continued: “Then there's depression, drinking and having to fight your way out of situations. I've lived all those things – and more.

“I can't blame anyone else. I pressed the self-destruct button.”

Is Steve married?

Steve is reportedly married to his wife Valerie, whom he shares a 39-year-old daughter named Charlotte with. She was born in 1984.

Charlotte has followed in her father’s footsteps into the entertainment industry. Outside of her acting, she set up the Interchange Performing Arts in 2017, a drama group.

Steve and Valerie allegedly split up in the 90s due to Steve’s drinking problems but reunited in the 2000s.

The actor was previously married to his childhood sweetheart Susan but they later separated, reportedly due to Steve’s personal issues. They met as teenagers in a dance hall.

Where is Steve on Emmerdale?

Steve has continuously played the role of Zak, with the exception of some breaks over the years.

In 2018, he took a break for a few months to have a pacemaker fitted due to heart problems. He commended Emmerdale for their support following his six months stint away from the show.

However, since the beginning of this year, Zak Dingle has been missing for extended periods with no explanation.

Sometimes his character is said to be visiting Debbie Dingle in Scotland. Zak could also be seen experiencing health issues, with Cain and Chas getting him a mobility scooter to help him get around.

Emmerdale bosses haven’t issued a statement so far as to why Steve has reduced screen time.

Get the latest RSVP headlines straight to your inbox for free by signing up to our newsletter

Join our new WhatsApp community! Click this LINK to receive your daily dose of RSVP Live content. We also treat our community members to wonderful competitions, promotions, along with great stories. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice