SAD NEWS: Emmerdale’s Cain breaks down in emotional tribute to Zak Dingle
Emmerdale aired the death of beloved dog Monty on Wednesday (August 5) as Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) and viewers were left heartbroken
ITV soap Emmerdale has aired an emotional tribute to Zak Dingle (Steve Halliwell) as his cherished dog, Monty, dies. The treasured family pet, Monty, made his debut appearance in the Dales back in 2018 and was brought in as a companion for the late patriarch, Zak, after the death of the clan’s Irish Wolfhound, Alfie.
Last month, the Dingles discovered Monty’s terminal cancer diagnosis, leaving Cain battling to prolong the dog’s life. However, Monty’s condition deteriorated quickly, and Rhona Goskirk (Zoe Henry) confirmed his cancer had likely spread. On Wednesday (August 5), Cain brought Monty to the vet after the family decided it was time to put the ailing dog to sleep.
Cain prepared to say goodbye to Monty (Image: ITV)
Back at Wishing Well, Lydia (Karen Blick), Sam (James Hooton), Belle (Eden Taylor-Draper), and Kammy (Shebz Miah) decided it was preferable to remain at home and comfort Kyle and Isaac (Huey Quinn and Bobby Dunsmuir), which meant Cain was alone with Monty as Rhona administered the medication, reports Daily Star.
Cain embraced Monty and started to weep as he bid a final farewell, delivering a tribute to his father, Zak (Steve Halliwell), whose on-screen death was revealed on October 14, 2024. In real life, the actor d!ed aged 77 on December 15, 2023.
“Remember what I said, you are a good boy, and I know my dad was always grateful for having you, always,” Cain said as he tenderly held Monty.
He continued: “When you get up there, you tell him how much we love him and that we miss him loads. And you make sure he takes you for plenty of walks, just like old times.”
As Cain began to weep, he said: “We love you, you scruffy old thing,” before confirming to Rhona that Monty had d!ed.
Emmerdale’s Cain Dingle paid a sweet tribute to on-screen dad Zak (Image: PA)
Emmerdale viewers were moved to tears by the heartfelt scene, with one person posting on X: “Not #Emmerdale getting me teary at midday,” while a second remarked: “Aw Monty, dog deaths are always so much more sad #Emmerdale.”
A third chimed in: “Christ #emmerdale has me bawling a beautiful episode,” while yet another added: “#Emmerdale poor Monty. I could barely watch. But it’s just a tv show and he’s fine really.”
“Me and my mum have just cried our eyes out at #Emmerdale. Saying goodbye to your dog is soul destroying,” explained one devoted viewer.
“When Monty gave Cain his paw I was BROKEN. Sobbed like a baby. Dogs really are the most precious souls,” added another.
