Former Emmerdale star Leah Bracknell has died at the age of 55.
The actor, who was best known for playing Zoe Tate on the ITV soap, was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in 2016.
Her manager announced news of her death in a statement, which read: “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.
“Leah had an energy and enthusiasm for life, a kind heart and much love to give to those around her.
“Her family have asked for privacy at this very sad time.”
Leah revealed that she had been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in October 2016, aged 52.
Her diagnosis came to light when her partner launched a Go Fund Me page to raise money for her to undergo treatment overseas, due to a lack of options available on the NHS.
More than 2,500 fans joined together to raise £50,000 to help pay for cutting-edge treatment for her in Germany.
In February, Leah made an appearance on Loose Women, where she revealed she was taking a new medication she hoped would give her a longer life expectancy.
However, in August she told of how her cancer treatment had stopped working.
Leah rose to fame after she was cast in Emmerdale 1989, making her mark as British soap’s first lesbian character.
She appeared on the show for 16 years and left in an episode that was voted the Best Exit at the British Soap Awards in 2006.
Leah went on to appear in shows including Judge John Deed, Casualty 1907, Doctors and The Royal Today.
More recently, she had embarked on a career as a yoga and meditation teacher.
Emmerdale bosses paid tribute with a statement posted on Twitter, calling Leah “a very generous and caring colleague, much loved by cast and crew alike”.
Expanding on the statement, John Whiston, MD Continuing Drama & Head of ITV in the North, said: “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 soaps 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.”
Her former co-star Lisa Riley, who plays Mandy Dingle, was also among the first to share her condolences, praising Leah as “a true angel to work with”.
Leah is survived by her husband Jez Hughes and her two daughters, Maya and Lily Watson.
