LATE Emmerdale star Leah Bracknell’s widower Jez Hughes has paid an emotional tribute to his wife.
The 90s soap favourite was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in 2016 but defied the odds to battle the disease for three years until her death last week.
Jez took to Facebook to thank fans for the outpouring of love since her passing.
He wrote: “Thank you everyone for all your kind words, prayers and love. They mean the world to me at this time and I apologise that I can’t respond individually as I haven’t the words in me right now.
“My darling wife, best friend and soul mate flies free in spirit. I have been the luckiest man in the world to spend time walking, dancing, laughing, praying, dreaming, singing, drumming, talking, travelling, crying, planning, hoping, loving, going wild, exploring, rebelling, forgiving, celebrating, playing, sharing secrets at dawn, opening hearts, minds and soul- alongside a woman of such depth, power, humour, humility, honour, intelligence and love- it is impossible to do justice to with the transient, flimsy power of words.
“Ali is the bravest person I’ve ever met and she faced the last three years of cancer with dignity, grace and light. She shone bright in this world with fire in her heart and water in her soul. The great mystery of existence always visible through her beautiful eyes.
“She inspired and changed the lives of so many, loved ones and strangers alike. Every day I learn of more people who she helped which brings the warmth of pride and gratitude to have known her into my heart. She taught me more than I’m able to comprehend and we shared more than I dreamt was possible in this life. More than either of us thought was possible.
“My heart is truly broken and the pain is intense as I wander aimlessly, waiting to awake from this dream, from hour to hour, day to day.
“My only prayer is that through the burning down of everything that I hold sacred and precious, through this raw, primal, timeless wound, something else will arise and I am able to embody just a little of Ali’s grace, bravery, tenacity, and lightness, in order to serve her legacy well in the world.”
The actress passed away last month but news of her death was only revealed today.
Her management released a statement saying: “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 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.”
Leah Bracknell was best known for her role as Zoe Tate on Emmerdale, a character she played for almost 16 years between 1989 and 2005.
The married mum-of-two made history by becoming the first lesbian character in the soap.
‘GENEROUS AND CARING’
The official Emmerdale Twitter account paid tribute to the actress this evening, 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 cast and crew alike.”
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.
She had sought medical help the month before after rapidly gaining weight around her abdomen and suffering constant breathlessness.
After she was diagnosed, fans helped her raise more than 50,000on a GoFundMe page launched by her husband, Jez Hughes, to undergo groundbreaking treatment in Germany.
‘HUGELY POPULAR’
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.
ITV has paid tribute to Bracknell, calling her a “hugely popular member of the Emmerdale cast”.
John Whiston, managing director of continuing drama and head of ITV in the north, 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.”
The 54-year-old was told three years ago that she had stage four lung cancer, which has a life-expectancy of eight months
Leah Bracknell became one of the Yorkshire soap’s most recognised stars
