LEAH Bracknell has died aged 55.
The ex-Emmerdale star was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in 2016 but defied the odds to battle the disease for three years.
12
12
Leah was best known for her role as Zoe Tate, the Emmerdale character she played for almost 16 years from December 1989.
During her time on the programme, she made history by becoming the first lesbian character in the soap.
She left the series in 2005 in an episode voted the Best Exit at the British Soap Awards in May 2006.
In October 2016, aged 52, Bracknell revealed she had been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer.
Her battle with cancer 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.
The former soap star had been diagnosed in September after rapid weight gain around her abdomen and breathlessness prompted her to seek medical help.
After Bracknell was diagnosed, fans helped her raise more than £50,000 to undergo groundbreaking treatment in Germany.
She started taking new medication, but later revealed that it had failed.
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
Bracknell has appeared in public numerous times over the past three years, discussing living with cancer.
She spoke openly about her numerous methods to ease her symptoms, and wrote about her experiences on her blog, ‘Something Beginning With C’.
A statement from Bracknell’s manager said: “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 was best known and much loved as Zoe Tate in Emmerdale.
12
12
12
“She also had roles in Judge John Deed, A Touch of Frost, The Royal Today and DCI Banks to name just a few, as well as numerous appearances on stage and in pantomime.
“As well as acting, Leah was also an accomplished yoga teacher and shamanic healer.
“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.”
ITV has paid tribute to Bracknell, calling her a “hugely popular member of the Emmerdale cast”.
John Whiston, managing director of continuing drama and head of ITV in the north, said in a statement: “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.
