Emmerdale enthusiasts took to social media to lovingly remember the late Leah Bracknell on her would-be 60th birthday, honouring the actress who left an indelible mark as Zoe Tate. Leah Bracknell was known for her resilience and positive outlook in the face of stage 4 lung cancer, which she battled after being diagnosed in 2016, ultimately passing away at just 55 years old in September 2019. As tributes poured in on Friday, July 12, one fan posted a beautiful snapshot of Leah with the caption: "This beautiful lady would have been 60 today.
Happy heavenly birthday Leah Bracknell." Echoing the sentiment, another added: "Happy heavenly birthday to Leah Bracknell who would've been 60 today," while a third chimed in: "Remembering Leah Bracknthell who played Zoe Tate in Emmerdale . Today would have been her 60th birthday.
Another simply stated: "Happy heavenly 60th birthday to Leah Bracknell." Defying her terminal diagnosis, Leah remained hopeful and focused on experiencing life fully. In what turned out to be her final interview, she bravely shared her outlook: "I still hope I could get my impossible miracle.
And if not, I am going to have a bloody good time along the way." She went on to say: "I don't need to go and fulfil a bucket list, that's not my style, I just want to do the things 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", reports OK! . Leah Bracknell, who won hearts as Zoe Tate on Emmerdale from December 1989, was not just a TV star but a devoted mother to Maya and Lily, and the beloved wife of Jez Hughes.
Her family described Jez as her "rock", whom she married in a quiet ceremony in 2017 after being diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. Her agent released a poignant statement confirming Leah's passing: "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." The family also expressed their heartfelt thanks for the overwhelming public support which they believe helped prolong and improve the quality of Leah's life over the last few years.
The family's tribute highlighted Leah's vibrant spirit and positive approach to her illness: "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." As the acting community mourned her loss, tributes poured in celebrating Leah's kindness and memorable talent.
Lisa Riley, known for her role as Mandy Dingle in Emmerdale, where she worked closely with Leah, shared a touching homage: "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.
" Dominic Brunt , known as Paddy Kirk in Emmerdale, took to X, formerly Twitter , with a heartfelt tribute: "I lost a good friend today. She was truly amazing in lots of different ways and I shall miss her x". Adele Silva, who played Kelly Windsor in the soap, expressed her sorrow on Twitter: "#Leah what a truly lovely human being - such a sad loss.
" Emmerdale is available to watch on ITV..
