Emmerdale Star in Tears at Soap Awards as Emotional Tribute to Steve Halliwell Leaves Viewers Heartbroken

Emmerdale fans were left reaching for the tissues during the British Soap Awards as Jeff Hordley became visibly emotional watching a touching tribute to his late co-star Steve Halliwell. The ceremony, held at the Hackney Empire in London on May 31 and broadcast a few days later on June 5, had its fair share of highs and lows — but it was that raw moment during the In Memoriam segment that really stuck with people.

While EastEnders scooped up most of the awards this year, Emmerdale didn’t leave empty-handed. Young star Amelia Flanagan took home Best Young Performer for her role as April Windsor, and fans were delighted to see her recognised. But the true heart of the evening came when the ceremony paused to honour soap legends we’ve sadly lost.

A haunting piano melody played as the names of beloved actors appeared on screen. Among those remembered were Meg Johnson, Kenneth Cope and Anita Carey, but it was the final tribute to Emmerdale icon Steve Halliwell that brought the room to a standstill.

Steve, who passed away aged 77, was a giant of the soap world. He made his mark on British television in the 1980s with roles in Coronation Street and All Creatures Great and Small, but it was his portrayal of Zak Dingle from 1994 onwards that won hearts across the country. Over nearly three decades and more than 2,400 episodes, Steve helped shape Emmerdale into the powerhouse it is today.

As clips of Steve’s finest moments played, Jeff Hordley — who stars as Zak’s son, Cain Dingle — was spotted wiping away tears in the audience. The moment didn’t go unnoticed by fans at home, who quickly took to social media to show their love and support.

@AmySian1993 posted: “Aww, you could see at the end there seeing Steve affected Jeff #SoapAwards.” Another viewer, @MissFee85, added: “#soapawards Jeff crying over Steve Halliwell.”

The tributes kept pouring in. @RyanSoapKing25 wrote: “Steve Halliwell. I was so sad when I found out he’d died. Zak Dingle was such a legend.” @jennyluv__ shared: “Broke me that steve halliwell with Jeff Hordley.” And @natashate1983 said what many were thinking: “Awww Jeff was getting emotional watching Steve Halliwell clip.”

It was a moment that truly resonated, reminding everyone just how much these long-running shows mean not just to the fans, but to the people behind the scenes too. Seeing Jeff, who worked alongside Steve for years, so visibly moved brought home the real human connections forged on set.

The night might have been packed with glitz and glamour, but it was that quiet, emotional tribute that ended up stealing the show. Fans were reminded that while soap awards might celebrate storylines and performances, it’s the people — like Steve Halliwell — who leave a lasting legacy.

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