EMMERDALE STAR LEAH DIES AFTER CANCER FIGHT
FORMER Emmerdale star Leah Bracknell has died after a long battle with cancer aged 55, it was announced yesterday.
The actress, who played Zoe Tate in the soap, passed away three years after being diagnosed with lung cancer.
She leaves behind daughters Lily and Maya, as well as partner Jez Hughes.
A statement from Leah’s management said: “It is with the deepest sadness that Leah Bracknell’s family confirm that Leah passed away.
“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.”
The star was best known and loved as Zoe Tate in Emmerdale. She also had roles in Judge John Deed, A Touch Of Frost, The Royal Today and DCI Banks, to name a few, as well as numerous appearances on stage and in pantomime.
The statement added: “As well as acting, Leah was also an accomplished yoga teacher. Leah had an energy and enthusiasm for life, a kind heart and much love to give to those around her.”
ITV head of drama John Whiston 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 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.”
London-born Ms Bracknell had spoken candidly about her battle with cancer and in a blog said she would fight it to the very end.
In her final post in July, she vowed to “do anything” to keep fighting the illness.
In addition to undergoing numerous treatments, Ms Bracknell also made appearances on This Morning and Loose Women, where she talked candidly about her cancer and her determination to fight it.
Although she will be best remembered as Zoe Tate, the soap character she played for 16 years from 1989 before leaving in 2005, she was also known for her work teaching at the British School of Yoga and creating her own line of jewellery.
As well as her many TV appearances, she also appeared on stage. Her father, television director David, first brought her acting career to the screen in The Chiffy Kids series in 1976, which helped launch her career.
After studying at Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art, she was cast in ITV’s Emmerdale, where she made her mark playing British soap’s first lesbian character.
‘Leah continued to embrace life and faced her illness with positivity’
LEAH Bracknell fought lung cancer with a courage that will inspire and comfort others for years to come. Families across the nation will feel the deepest sympathy for all those who knew and cherished the Emmerdale star, who shared the story of her brave battle in her deeply moving online journal, Something Beginning With C.
She lived and loved with conviction, honesty and joy, and her example will be a source of strength.