Emmerdale fans emotional over icon's death - 8 years after cancer diagnosis

Emmerdale fans devastated as they remember icon's death 8 years after cancer diagnosis. (Image: ITV)

Emmerdale fans took to social media to commemorate the would-be 60th birthday of the treasured Leah Bracknell, beloved for her iconic portrayal of Zoe Tate in the beloved soap.

Leah Bracknell became a beacon of positivity and courage after she valiantly fought stage 4 lung cancer since her diagnosis in 2016, tragically passing away at age 55 in September 2019. Fond memories and heartfelt tributes flooded in on Friday, July 12, with one admirer sharing a touching photo of Leah and the message: "This beautiful lady would have been 60 today. Happy heavenly birthday Leah Bracknell."

Another follower expressed similar sentiments: "Happy heavenly birthday to Leah Bracknell who would've been 60 today," with a third reflecting: "Remembering Leah Bracknell who played Zoe Tate in Emmerdale. Today would have been her 60th birthday."

One more added their voice with a succinct tribute: "Happy heavenly 60th birthday to Leah Bracknell," reports OK!.

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Leah Bracknell starred alongside Claire King in Emmerdale (Image: YORKSHIRE TELEVISION)

Throughout her ordeal, Leah chose hope over despair, focusing on living life to the fullest. In her last interview, her spirit shone through as she stated: "I still hope I could get my impossible miracle. And if not, I am going to have a bloody good time along the way."

Determined not to be held back by her condition, declaring: "I don't need to go and fulfil a bucket list, that's not my style, I just want to do the options I want to do while I am healthy and strong, I won't let myself live in fear, I'm just going to live a good life."

Leah, renowned for her heartfelt portrayal of Zoe Tate on Emmerdale from December 1989, was celebrated not only as an actress but also as a devoted mother and cherished partner to Jez Hughes. Her family paid touching tributes, acknowledging Jez as her steadfast "rock" and detailed their intimate wedding in 2017, following Leah's terminal lung cancer diagnosis.

Her passing was confirmed in a moving statement: "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."

Emmerdale actress Leah Bracknell died of lung cancer at aged 55 in 2019. (Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Thanking the public for their massive support that significantly contributed to Leah's life quality was an important part of the family's message.

They fondly remembered Leah's positive attitude and zest for life amidst her battle with cancer: "Leah continued to embrace life and faced her illness with positivity. Leah had an energy and enthusiasm for life, a kind heart and much love to give to those around her."

The acting world collectively grieved her departure, while personal condolences highlighted her kindness and extraordinary talent.

Lisa Riley, who stars as Mandy Dingle in Emmerdale and shared the screen with Leah, said: "Leah lived her life to the fullest, her legacy will truly live on.

"She played my fairy godmother in Emmerdale and that's what she was in real life too - there was nobody on that show that Leah didn't help. She will be missed so much by everyone who knew her."

Emmerdale's Dominic Brunt, famed for his portrayal of Paddy Kirk, shared a touching homage on X, previously known as Twitter: "I lost a good friend today. She was truly amazing in lots of different ways and I shall miss her x".

Adele Silva, remembered for her role as Kelly Windsor, took to Twitter to convey her grief: "#Leah what a truly lovely human being - such a sad loss."

Emmerdale is available to watch on ITV and ITVX.

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Emmerdale fans emotional over icon's death - 8 years after cancer diagnosis

Emmerdale fans emotional over icon's death - 8 years after cancer diagnosis

Emmerdale fans emotional over icon's death - 8 years after cancer diagnosis

Emmerdale fans emotional over icon's death - 8 years after cancer diagnosis

Emmerdale fans emotional over icon's death - 8 years after cancer diagnosis