Emmerdale's Lisa Riley leads tributse to Leah Bracknell as she dies aged 55 calling her a 'true angel'
Lisa Riley leads the tributes to Leah Bracknell after she tragically died of cancer aged 55.
Friends, fans and fellow actors are sending out their best wishes for the former Emmerdale actress, who played Zoe Tate on the ITV soap.
Lisa Riley (Mandy Dingle) paid tribute to her former co-star with a photo of her on Instagram alongside the caption: "GOD BLESS YOU LEAH. A true angel to work with. You lost your battle far far too young. R.I.P. heavens gain an angel of the truest form."
The Emmerdale Twitter account joined in, writing: "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 the cast and crew alike. #Emmerdale."
Sally Dynevor said: "So sorry to hear Leah Bracknell passed away. Such a beautiful person and an inspiration to many #so shockedtooyoung"
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3r3l-cHtqI/
GOD BLESS YOU LEAH ??????a true angel to work with. You lost your battle far far to young. R.I.P. heaven gains an angel of the truest form ?????? #angel
A post shared byLisa Riley (@lisajaneriley) on
The 90s soap favourite was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in 2016 but defied the odds to battle the disease for three years.
The actress passed away last month but news of her death was only revealed today.
Leah was best known for her role as Zoe Tate on the Emmerdale, who she played for almost 16 years.
During her time on the programme, between 1989 and 2005 she made history by becoming the first lesbian character in the soap.
When she left the show the episode was voted the Best Exit at the British Soap Awards in May 2006.
In October 2016 Bracknell revealed she had been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer at the age of 52.
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She had sought medical help the month before after rapidly gaining weight around her abdomen and constant breathlessness.
After she was diagnosed, fans helped her raise more than £50,000 on a GoFundMe page launched by her husband, Jez Hughes, to undergo groundbreaking treatment in Germany.
She started taking new medication, but later revealed that it had failed.
Bracknell appeared in public numerous times over the past three years,discussing living with cancer.
She spoke openly about her numerous methods to ease her symptoms, and wrote about her experiences on her blog, 'Something Beginning With C'.
A statement from Bracknell's manager said: "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 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.
"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."
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