The character of Angelica King on Emmerdale underwent a change in 2009 when Sophie Firth, the original actress, tragically died at age three in a devastating accident. The role is now portrayed by Rebecca Bakes who, after a brief break from the soap, recently confirmed her return.
Fans of ITV's Emmerdale will recall that Angelica received an eight-month detention sentence in a children's care facility, owing to her reckless driving that took the life of her friend, Heath Hope.
Although Rebecca Bakes will reprise her role upon Angelica's release, she is the second actress to play the character, initially brought to life by Sophie.
Sophie was only three years old when tragedy struck in South Yorkshire while visiting her grandmother's residence. According to a report published by Mail Online in December 2012, her dress unfortunately caught on fire from a gas heater.
Her mother, Amy, tried to extinguish the flames with a blanket but ultimately, 70 per cent of Sophie's body was severely burnt. Despite receiving care at Sheffield Children's Hospital for over a week, the young actress succumbed to blood infection, reports OK!.
During these particularly trying hours, Sophie had her family by her side, including her parents, Neil and Amy. They made a public announcement concerning their loss, fondly referring to Sophie as their "bright and beautiful" daughter.
In a moving tribute, they declared they would "carry their little princess in their arms forever".
The Mail Online has revealed the heart-wrenching story of a family who temporarily moved into Sophie's grandmother's abode in Skellow, Doncaster, while renovations were underway at their Austerfield home.
Emmerdale representatives expressed their deep sorrow upon learning about Sophie's untimely demise, stating: "We are devastated to hear of Sophie's tragic death. Our sincere condolences go out to her family. Everyone at Emmerdale is thinking of them at this sad time."
South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue spokesperson conveyed their sympathies, commenting: "This was a tragic accident and our thoughts are with the girl's family and friends at this extremely distressing time."
They also issued a caution, saying, "Any fire can be dangerous. We would urge people to pay particular attention to the risk of fires in their home during the cold weather and as we approach the holiday season."
In the wake of the tragedy, Sophie's bereaved parents have channelled their grief into fundraising for The Children's Hospital Charity, amassing nearly £23,000 on JustGiving. Their heartfelt message on the fundraising page reads: "Anyone who ever met Sophie knows not only was she was she beautiful but she was exceptionally bright, loving and funny. Her family and friends miss her more than words can say; our anguish at the loss of such a young and promising life is too much to bear.
"Her mum Amy and Dad Neil cannot imagine life without Sophie. Sophie was three and a half (and the half mattered), just by being Sophie she said and did so many things that brought joy to our lives, she was at the centre of everything she did and the heart of the family."
