The local celebrity played Zak Dingle on the show, gracing it with his presence for almost 30 years.
He was loved by both friends and family alike. His family even went on to say that he made them ‘laugh to the end’ and that ‘he was the most amazing father and grandfather you could ever wish for’.
The family’s full statement:
‘He went to sleep, peacefully with his loved ones around him. 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 many eyes Steve was a legend and will forever be known for his work as Zak Dingle, head of the Dingle clan. Our hearts go out to his family in this time.