Kitty McGeever, who became the first blind actress to join a UK soap in a starring role when she was cast as Lizzie Lakely in Emmerdale in 2009, has died. She was 44 and had suffered poor health over the past decade.
Illness forced her to leave the show in March 2013.
In a video on the ITV website, Emmerdale producer Kate Oates said McGeever was awaiting a kidney transplant at the time of her passing.
"Sadly she ran out of time on that, but what she did do was donate her liver and also her corneas, so Kitty's family and Kitty have hopefully given the gift of life to someone else through this tragedy, which I think is just a wonderful thing," she said.
A spokesperson for Emmerdale said: "Kitty was a great talent and a true inspiration to all who worked with her. The cast and crew are devastated at her passing and she will be missed tremendously and remembered fondly by all of us."
McGeever, who lost her sight at the age of 33 due to health problems, also worked in stand-up and her other screen credits included Beautiful People and London's Burning.
So sad to hear the news our dear Kitty Mcgeever has died. Never forget the scene's we used to have with her infectious laugh❤ miss you xxx
— Gemma Oaten (@gemmaoaten) August 17, 2015
So, so saddened by the loss of our lovely Kitty McGeever. I feel so lucky to have worked with such a wonderful, hard-working woman.
— Chelsea Halfpenny (@ChelseaHP) August 17, 2015
Truly saddened to hear the passing of our dear, dear friend Kitty McGeever. A huge personality @emmerdale will be missed terribly. #RIP 🙏🏼
— Danny Miller (@DannyBMiller) August 17, 2015
