Emmerdale spoilers follow.
Emmerdale‘s Moira Dingle cancels an important operation next week after receiving the sad news of Zak’s death.
Moira decides to focus all of her efforts on supporting her husband Cain following his father’s passing.
Last month, Moira was diagnosed with a type of brain tumour called a meningioma, which explained the strange symptoms she’d been experiencing.
Moira was told that the tumour was non-cancerous. She later chose to have it removed and was put on a waiting list for an operation.
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Next week, Moira’s symptoms continue as she suffers another seizure while cooking breakfast. She then receives news of an operation slot available the next day.
Just when Moira is about to start preparing herself for a stay in hospital, she receives a call from Debbie in Scotland to let the family know that Zak has died.
Moira avoids telling Cain about her operation news, fearing that it’s no longer the right time to go ahead with it.
Her son Matty questions her on this, unsure whether she’s making the right decision.
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Jeff Hordley, who plays Cain, revealed: “Moira keeps it to herself. The sense behind it is that she knows that Cain’s got so much on his plate with the funeral that she doesn’t want to burden him with it.
“So she makes a massive sacrifice for herself to make sure that Cain can get through this day smoothly.”
Asked how Cain would react if he knew about this, Jeff replied: “He’d be really cross!”
Emmerdale bosses have written in Zak’s death storyline as a tribute to Steve Halliwell, who passed away last December at the age of 77. Steve had played Zak since 1994.
Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.
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Emmerdale has worked with Brains Trust (01983 292 405) and The Brain Tumour Charity on Moira’s story. Further information about brain tumours is also available on the NHS website.