Sam Dingle (James Hooton) and Belle Dingle (Eden Taylor-Draper) meet to reflect on a devastating loss in upcoming episodes of Emmerdale – but they’re somewhat distracted due to the fact one person hasn’t turned up.

Zak Dingle star Steve Halliwell died in 2023.

‘He went to sleep, peacefully with his loved ones around him,’ the statement, released by his family at the time, said. ‘He was making us laugh to the end, the most amazing father and grandfather you could ever wish for, family was everything to him.

‘We would like to thank the wonderful staff at St James Hospital and the Wheatfield Hospice for their love and kindness in his final days. He didn’t want sadness, just to rejoice in a life well lived.’

In 2024, Emmerdale confirmed they would film a goodbye storyline that sees the Dingle family discover their beloved Zak has died.

In October last year, Moira Dingle (Natalie J Robb) took a call from Debbie Dingle (Charley Webb), who confirmed that Zak had passed away.

Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) took it upon himself to visit each member of his family in the village to tell them about Zak’s passing. Afterwards, Cain and Sam went to Scotland to bring Zak’s body home.

The funeral scenes saw Zak buried on the Dingle land. In the episodes, Zak’s distant daughter Tina also arrived back in the Dales to say goodbye to her dad.

Her storyline also saw viewers discover that she is Vinny Dingle’s (Bradley Johnson) biological mother.

Next week, it’s the anniversary of Zak’s death, a hugely important event to everyone in the family. Sadly though, with Cain on a journey of self destruction, reflecting on his father’s passing doesn’t seem a big priority.

Cain has been away from the village searching for John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth). He went on the run after help from Caleb Miligan (William Ash), and had plans to go to France. With revenge in his eyes, Cain packed a bag and left, determined to find John and make him face some sort of consequence for killing his son.

When he gets back, Cain is asked about John, but doesn’t really say much. He’s using alcohol to help him get through the day and when Moira reminds him of his responsibilities and Zak’s anniversary, Cain seems more focused on destroying himself.

Meanwhile, Sam and Belle have met up and are busy wondering if Cain will show.

As they arrive at Zak’s grave, the two siblings are disappointed that Cain still isn’t there.

Belle and Sam spend time talking about Zak, but are ultimately united in their concern for their brother.

Will anyone get through to Cain?

It’s currently unknown just where John Sugden is, however, in a recent instalment of Coronation Street, it was suggested that he could end up on the cobbles in the highly anticipated crossover episode.

A Wanted poster of John was spotted on a notice board in the Weatherfield Police Station, sparking fans to wonder if he’ll hide out there in an attempt to evade capture.

Friendly reminder that if John features in Corriedale, Oliver Farnworth will be back on the cobbles, as he’s also played Andy Carver in the Manchester based soap.

Which won’t mess with our minds at all!