Leah Bracknell death: Emmerdale star dies from lung cancer, aged 55
Actor played Zoe Tate in the soap for 16 years
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Former Emmerdale star Leah Bracknell has died three years after being diagnosed with stage four lung cancer, her manager said.
A statement from Bracknell’s manager reads: “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 four 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. 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.”
The statement added: “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.”
Bracknell made history with her role as British soap’s first lesbian character in Emmerdale, which she starred in for 16 years from December 1989.
As well as her other TV credits mentioned in her manager’s statement, Bracknell appeared in stage plays including Gaslight and Strangers On A Train.
In October 2016, aged 52, Bracknell revealed she had been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer.
Talking in February on ITV’s Loose Women she said she had a positive outlook on life and was not fearful despite her diagnosis.
She said she had formed a “relationship” with her cancer to try to understand it.
Bracknell also revealed on the show that she was taking a new medication she hoped would give her a longer life expectancy, however in August this year she revealed her cancer treatment has stopped working.
John Whiston, managing director of continuing drama and 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.”
Additional reporting by PA
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