Leah Bracknell was a favorite on the show Emmerdale. She died at the age of 55. She lost the battle to stage 4 lung cancer which the doctors diagnosed on her in 2016.

Leah Bracknell and her tragic death

Former Emmerdale actress, Leah Bracknell died at the age of 55. She was not so old and her death came due to her stage 4 lung cancer which the doctors had diagnosed in her three years back. Leah fought courageously but ultimately lost the battle of life.

Actress Leah died last month but her family revealed the news to the press only this Wednesday 16 October 2019. Leah’s management issued a statement that read:

“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 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.

“Leah had an energy and enthusiasm for life, a kind heart and much love to give to those around her.

“Her family has asked for privacy at this very sad time.”

Leah Bracknell and her memorable roles and family

Career-wise, Leah was an accomplished actress. She played Zoe Tate in Emmerdale for 16 years from 1989 to 2005. Her role was a historical one since she was the first lesbian character on the TV show.

When Leah’s character on the show ended, she won an award at the British Soap Awards in May 2006 for the Best Exit.

Leah was married and has two children with her husband Jez Hughes. In October 2016, when Leah was 52, she consulted some doctors about her medical problem of breathlessness and sudden abdominal weight gain.

The treating doctors then diagnosed her with advanced lung cancer. She had surgery in Germany for it with the help of £50,000 that her husband managed to raise through the GoFundMe page which was initiated by her husband.

Leah was on a new experimental drug but it was not successful for her. She had been part of several public appearances in between and spoke on living with cancer. She also remained in touch with her fans through social media. Leah also had a blog named ‘Something Beginning with C’.

Tributes for Leah Bracknell

The Emmerdale show also paid their tribute to Leah who had been with them for so long. The official Emmerdale Twitter handle wrote:

“Everyone on Emmerdale is very sad to hear of the death of Leah Bracknell.

“She was a hugely popular member of the Emmerdale cast for over 16 years.

“Leah was a very generous and caring colleague, much loved by cast and crew alike.”

ITV channel also spoke high of her calling her a hugely popular member of the Emmerdale cast. John Whiston, head and managing director of ITV 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 soap’s first lesbian characters and Leah made sure the character was both exciting and credible.”

Short Bio on Leah Bracknell

Leah is an English actress, she is well known for her role as Zoe Tate in the ITV soap opera Emmerdale (1989—2005). Similarly, she is also a qualified teacher with the British School of Yoga and designs and produces her line of jewelry. More Bio…

Source: The Sun UK