Emmerdale fans left emotional after Jeff Hordley’s reaction at Soap Awards

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The actor plays Cain Dingle on the ITV soap(Image: ITV)
Emmerdale fans were left feeling emotional after seeing Jeff Hordley’s reaction at the British Soap Awards on Thursday night (June 5).

Viewers had to wait five days to see the event play out, which was held at the Hackney Empire in London on Saturday night (May 31).

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While the majority of viewers knew that EastEnders dominated the night, many still wanted to tune in to see how it all went down.

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Loose Women panellist Jane McDonald was back on presenting duties for the second time, with the ceremony skipping 2024.

Emmerdale only won one award on the night, with Amelia Flanagan taking home Best Young Performer for her work as April Windsor, daughter of police officer Donna Windsor and chef Marlon Dingle.

One major moment of the night arrived during the In Memoriam segment, where the soap legends who are no longer with us were honoured.

 

Among those remembered this year was Meg Johnson, Kenneth Cope and Anita Carey as a piano player played a beautiful instrumental.

Zak Dingle Emmerdale

Steve Halliwell passed away in 2023(Image: ITV)
The last star to have a clip played of their work was Emmerdale legend Steve Halliwell, who passed away two years ago at the age of 77.

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In the 1980s, Steve found his stride with regular appearances in shows like Coronation Street and All Creatures Great and Small.

His most notable role began in 1994 as the beloved Zak Dingle on Emmerdale, featuring in over 2,400 episodes prior to his passing.

The fan favourite actor’s tribute led to Oldham native Jeff, who plays Zak’s son Cain Dingle, to begin crying in the crowd.

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Those watching at home took to X, previously known as Twitter, to send their sympathies to Jeff and pay their respects to Steve.

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

@RyanSoapKing25 wrote: “Steve Halliwell. I was so sad when I found out he’d died. Zak Dingle was such a legend.” @jennyluv__ posted: “Broke me that steve halliwell with Jeff hordley.”