Cain’s Emotional Tribute to Zak Leaves Emmerdale Viewers Sobbing — No One Was Ready for This Moment

Cain Dingle was in tears as Monty died in his arms (Image: ITV)

Emmerdale has aired the death of beloved dog Monty, sparking an emotional tribute to Zak Dingle from his son, Cain (Jeff Hordley).

The beloved family dog, Monty, made his first on-screen appearance in the Dales in 2018. He was introduced as a companion for the late patriarch, Zak, following the passing of the clan’s Irish Wolfhound, Alfie.

Last month, the Dingles learned about Monty’s incurable cancer diagnosis, leaving Cain fighting to extend the dog’s life. However, Monty’s health rapidly declined, and Rhona Goskirk (Zoe Henry) confirmed his cancer had most likely spread.

On Wednesday (August 5), Cain took Monty to the vets after the family decided it was time to put the poorly pup to sleep.

Cain stayed with Monty as he died in Emmerdale(Image: ITV)

Back at Wishing Well, Lydia (Karen Blick), Sam (James Hooton), Belle (Eden Taylor-Draper), and Kammy (Shebz Miah) agreed it was better to stay home and support Kyle and Isaac (Huey Quinn and Bobby Dunsmuir), which meant Cain was the only one with Monty as Rhona administered the medication.

Cain hugged Monty and began to cry as he said a final goodbye, offering a tribute to his father, Zak (Steve Halliwell), whose on-screen death was announced on October 14, 2024. In real life, the actor died 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 lovingly cuddled Monty.

He added: “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 started to cry, he said: “We love you, you scruffy old thing,” before confirming to Rhona that Monty was dead.

Cain Dingle has said he “misses” his dad Zak during Wednesday’s Emmerdale (Image: ITV )

Emmerdale fans were left in tears by the emotional scene, with one person writing on X: “Not #Emmerdale getting me teary at midday”, while a second added: “Aw Monty, dog deaths are always so much more sad #Emmerdale.”

A third chimed in: “Christ #emmerdale has me bawling a beautiful episode”, while 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 viewer.

“When Monty gave Cain his paw I was BROKEN. Sobbed like a baby. Dogs really are the most precious souls”, added another.

Emmerdale airs weekdays on ITV and ITVX