Game of Thrones finale: Daenerys star Emilia Clarke pays emotional tribute to her dad as she says goodbye to show that ‘shaped her as a woman’

Emilia Clarke left Game of Thrones fans feeling emotional as she prepared to say goodbye to the show, paying tribute to her late father in an emotional post.

The actress, who played Daenerys Targaryen, told fans she was “overwhelmed” ahead of the finale, which aired in the early hours of Monday morning for UK viewers, before mentioning her late father, who died in 2016.

“The mother of dragons chapter has taken up the whole of my adult life. This woman has taken up the whole of my heart,” Clarke wrote on Instagram. “I’ve sweated in the blaze of dragon fire, shed many tears at those who left our family early, and wrung my brain dry trying to do Khaleesi and the masterful words, actions (and names) I was given, justice.”

The British star went on to say that the show had “shaped her as a woman and a human being”, adding: “I just wish my darling dad was here now to see how far we’ve flown.”

Alongside her lengthy caption were photos of the cast behind-the-scenes as well as snaps of Dany and her famous hairstyle. 

Clarke concluded: “But to you, dear kind magical fans, I owe you so much thanks, for your steady gaze at what we’ve made and what I’ve done with a character that was already in the hearts of many before I slipped on the platinum wig of dreams. Without you there is no us. And now our watch has ended.”

Fans rushed to support Clarke, thanking her for her time on the show and telling her she is “worthy of an Oscar”. 

One said: “Thanks Dany. You are always gonna be my queen till your last day.”

Another commented: “Thank you, Emilia, for giving the utmost care to your work in bringing the role of Daenerys to life for us on our screens and behind the scenes for the past 9 years. You are an extremely talented actress and I can’t wait to see what’s next in your journey! Forever the one true Mother of Dragons and our Khaleesi.”

Game of Thrones airs at 9pm on Sky Atlantic. The episode is available now to steam on Sky Go and NOW TV.