'Emmerdale' paid a touching tribute to Leah Bracknell last night (17.10.19).

Leah Bracknell

Leah Bracknell

It was announced this week that the former Dales legend - who played Zoe Tate in the ITV soap - tragically passed away in September aged 55 following a three-year battle with lung cancer, and the show dedicated last night's double bill to her.

The announcer revealed the episodes were dedicated to Leah and upon the conclusion of the second ep a picture of the star was shown on screen alongside the message: "In Loving Memory of Leah Bracknell. 1964-2019."

It comes just hours after the 'Emmerdale' Twitter account had paid tribute to Leah.

A message read: "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 (sic)"

Several of the soap's stars have taken to social media to share heartfelt tributes to Leah, including Claire King, who shared plenty of screen time with her in their respective roles as Zoe and Kim Tate.

She wrote: "Gorgeous, beautiful, talented, lovely Leah, fly high over that rainbow my love (sic)"

Mark Charnock (Marlon Dingle) also penned a heartfelt tribute to the late star, who appeared in 'Emmerdale' from 1989 to 2005, praising her as one of the "loveliest people you could wish to meet".

He wrote: "Terrible news today. We've lost one of the truly good humans. Being around #Leah always made the day better. One of the kindest, sweetest, loveliest people you could wish to meet. There isn't enough space here to list her qualities. She'll be missed always. (sic)"

Lisa Riley (Mandy Dingle) wrote: "GOD BLESS YOU LEAH a true angel to work with. You lost your battle far far to young. R.I.P. heaven gains an angel of the truest form (sic)"

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