Emmerdale fans 'so sorry' as Sam Dingle star shares emotional milestone
10.01.2024 - 16:54
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Emmerdale fans have been sharing their love and support to James Hooton after he emotionally marked a milestone following his co-star's death. The actor, famed for playing Sam Dingle in the ITV soap, took to social media as he marked 29 years since he first appeared in the Dales.
James joined the ITV soap as Sam at 21-years-old in February 1995, when the character was released from a young offenders institute. Sam got involved in several dodgy schemes alongside his family, one of which was taking part in an armed robbery with his uncle Albert in 1998. However, they were caught by the police and jailed.
A two-year break from the Leeds-based soap then occurred for James before the Nottingham-born star returned the village as Sam in 2000 - and he's remained a staple character ever since. And recently, the actor and his co-stars, particularly his Dingle family, have faced the sad loss of their patriarch.
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Steve Halliwell, the actor who spent decades playing the beloved Zak Dingle, sadly died in December. A statement issued on December 15 confirmed Steve had passed away at home while surrounded by his family at the age of 77 and after 29 years of service on the ITV soap.
In the statement announcing his death to fans, a spokesperson for ITV said last month that it was 'hard not to smile' when thinking of the star. They said: “It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that Emmerdale can confirm that Steve Halliwell, our beloved Zak Dingle, has peacefully passed away. All our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and loved ones