Former Emmerdale star Leah Bracknell has died at the age of 55 after a three-year battle with lung cancer.
Bracknell, who played Zoe Tate in the ITV soap for 16 years until 2005, passed away in September and her death was announced on Wednesday.
She had received support from around the world after sharing her shock diagnosis through a GoFundMe page launched by her husband in 2016.
A statement from her manager, on behalf of her family, said: "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 - somethingbeginningwithc.com.
"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," the statement concluded.
Paying tribute, ITV described Bracknell as a "hugely popular member of the Emmerdale cast".
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. #Emmerdale pic.twitter.com/qeTXBXGToM
— Emmerdale (@emmerdale) October 16, 2019
John Whiston, Managing Director of Continuing Drama and Head of ITV in the north of England, said in a statement: "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.
"Leah herself was a very generous and caring colleague, much loved by cast and crew alike."
