Former Emmerdale star Leah Bracknell dies, aged 55

From Prima

Former Emmerdale actress Leah Bracknell has died, aged 55.

The actress, who played Zoe Tate on the ITV soap, was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer back in 2016.

Bracknell's manager confirmed the sad news yesterday (16 October ), saying in a statement (via The Mirror): "It is with the deepest sadness that Leah Bracknell's family confirm that Leah passed away in September, three years after her diagnosis with stage 4 lung cancer.

"They would like to thank all the public for their support and generosity which contributed to the extension and quality of her life over the past three years.

"Leah continued to embrace life and faced her illness with positivity. Many aspects of her journey can be found on her blog."

They added: "Her family have asked for privacy at this very sad time."

The actress played Zoe between 1989 and 2005, and made history as the first lesbian character in a UK soap opera with a coming out storyline in 1993.

Emmerdale has since paid tribute to Leah in a statement, with John Whiston – MD Continuing Drama & Head of ITV in the North – saying: "Everyone on Emmerdale is very sad to hear of the death of Leah Bracknell.

"Leah was a hugely popular member of the Emmerdale cast for over 16 years. During that time, she featured in some of the show's most high profile and explosive plots and always delivered a pitch perfect performance.

"Zoe Tate was one of soap's first lesbian characters and Leah made sure the character was both exciting and credible. Leah herself was a very generous and caring colleague, much loved by cast and crew alike."

Bracknell revealed just a few months ago that she was still hoping for an "impossible miracle" for her cancer, and had frequently kept fans updated on her life with cancer on her blog.

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