British actress Leah Bracknell, loved for playing Zoe Tate in Emmerdale, has tragically died three years after being diagnosed with lung cancer, her manager has announced.
In a statement on Wednesday, Leah's management 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 four lung cancer."
Leah was first diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in 2016. In 2019 she confirmed she was on an immunotherapy clinical trial which kept her condition stable. She leaves behind two children.
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The soap star recently shared her coping mechanisms in a number of candid and moving Instagram posts, writing: "You cannot steal my humour, my capacity for love, you cannot keep me prisoner in a richtus of fear."
"You can't stop me laughing or dreaming of the future, or dancing or praying, or drumming or rattling or singing or roaring at the stars and howling at the moon," Leah continued.
Leah had a full life. Outside of her work in Emmerdale, she was an accomplished yoga teacher and meditation practitioner, teaching both practices in her home town of Worthing, Sussex.
Her acting CV included roles in Judge John Deed, A Touch of Frost, The Royal Today and DCI Banks, among others, and she made various stage and pantomime appearances.
"Leah's family 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," her management said.
"She continued to embrace life and faced her illness with positivity. Many aspects of her journey can be found on her blog.
"Leah had an energy and enthusiasm for life, a kind heart and much love to give to those around her."
Leah's family have asked for privacy at this very sad time.
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