Emmerdale shares touching tribute to Zoe Tate star Leah Bracknell

Emmerdale star Leah Bracknell has died, aged 55.

The former Emmerdale cast member's death was announced today following her battle with stage 4 lung cancer.

Fans may have been expecting a tribute to the Zoe Tate star at the end of tonight's episode however this didn't happen.

Eagled-eyed viewers were quick to notice the missing nod to Leah.

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One fan tweeted: "No tribute to Leah Bracknell at the end of Emmerdale."

Another added: "No tribute for Leah Bracknell at the end of tonight’s."

However the ITV soap did take to social media to pay their respect.

The post on the Emmerdale's official Twitter account read: "Everyone on Emmerdale is very sad to hear of the death of Leah Bracknell.

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"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."

News of Leah's death was announced by her management.

A statement from Bracknell's manager released this afternoon said: "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.

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"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.

"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.

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Leah spoke openly about methods she used to ease her symptoms, and wrote about her experiences on her blog, Something Beginning With C.

Fellow co-stars have also taken to social media to pay their respects.

Mandy Dingle star Lisa Riley, who has recently returned to soap, was one of the first to remember her old workmate.

Taking to Instagram, the actress posted a black and white picture of Leah and penned: "God bless you Leah. a true angel to work with. You lost your battle far far to young. RIP. Heaven gains an angel of the truest form."

Paddy Kirk actor Dominic Brunt was also among her former co-stars who paid their respects.

Emmerdale returns to ITV at 7pm on Wednesday

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