Emmerdale actor Steve Halliwell has revealed his real-life secret battle with his health.
The soap star, who has played patriarch Zak Dingle since 1994, hasn’t been seen on-screen for five months and he has now explained the reason for his mysterious absence.
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The 64-year-old has had a scary time of it, after being rushed to hospital for a life-or-death operation on his heart.
After a period of recovery and five months away from filming the ITV soap, fans will be glad to know he’s coming back soon.
The Sun Online explains that the Lancashire-born actor had a pacemaker fitted in September, after suffering serious heart problems.
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But, after a long period of convalescence, we’re pleased to report that he’ll finally be able to return to the ITV soap next month.
The actor, who is currently the second longest serving cast member, told the newspaper’s website: “I’m back at work in a few weeks and feeling fitter than ever after having a pacemaker fitted in September.
“It’s done me the world of good and I feel fantastic.”
He went on to say how understanding and “brilliant” his employers have been, saying: “Emmerdale have been brilliant throughout and really looked after me.
“I did have to spend some time in hospital and it was really funny to see the entire Dingle clan around my bed.
“Everyone has been so considerate and I know it sounds a bit of a cliché, but we really are one big happy family.”
Awwwww!
Steve also promised that he has “some great storylines coming up and I can’t wait to get stuck into filming”.
Sadly, the actor’s character Zak missed the brief return of his niece Mandy in a dramatic New Year storyline.
Zak was recently involved in the terrifying Lachlan kidnapping plot.
His wife Lisa Dingle is also currently absent from the soap, after a heartbreaking departure in May 2018.
The pair are currently talked about on screen as being in Scotland, and daughter Belle has been to visit them.
Are you looking forward to seeing Zak Dingle back in Emmerdale? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think!