Leah Bracknell facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Leah Bracknell
Bracknell as Zoe Tate in Emmerdale
Born	Alison Rosalind Bracknell (1964-07-12)12 July 1964 Westminster, London, England
Died	15 September 2019(2019-09-15) (aged 55) Worthing, West Sussex, England
Alma mater	Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art
Occupation	Actress
Years active	1976 1989–2015
Spouse(s)	Jez Hughes ​ (m. 2017)​
Children	2

Leah Bracknell (born Alison Rosalind Bracknell on July 12, 1964 – died September 15, 2019) was a talented English actress. She was best known for playing Zoe Tate in the popular TV show Emmerdale. She was on the show for many years, from 1989 to 2005. For her role, she was nominated for an award in 2002. She also won the Best Exit award in 2006 when her character left the show. Besides acting, Leah was also a certified yoga teacher. She even designed her own jewelry!

Leah Bracknell's Early Life

Leah Bracknell was born in Westminster, London. Her father, David Ian Bracknell, was a TV director. Her mother, Li-Er Hwang, was an actress from China and Malaysia.

Her parents met in Hong Kong in 1959 while working on a movie called The World of Suzie Wong. Leah's first name, "Leah," is a simpler version of her mother's name, "Li-Er." Leah grew up in London and Oxford. She also spent a year living in New Zealand and Fiji.

Leah Bracknell's Acting Career

Leah's first TV appearance was in 1976. She was in a show called The Chiffy Kids, which her father directed. After finishing her acting training, she quickly got a big role.

In 1989, she joined the ITV soap opera Emmerdale. She played Zoe Tate, a vet and landowner. Leah stayed on the show for 16 years, leaving in 2005. She took breaks for maternity leave during this time.

After leaving Emmerdale, Leah returned to acting in plays. She performed in Gaslight and Strangers on a Train. In 2008, she played the main role of the governess in a touring play called Turn of the Screw.

Leah also appeared in other TV dramas. These included Judge John Deed, Casualty 1907, and Doctors. In 2007, she joined the cast of The Royal Today as Matron Jenny Carrington.

Leah won the 'Best Exit' award at the British Soap Awards in May 2006. This was for her character's departure from Emmerdale. She was also nominated for 'Most Popular Actress' at the National Television Awards in 2002.

Leah Bracknell's Personal Life

Leah Bracknell had two children. She spent her later years living in Worthing, Sussex. After leaving Emmerdale, she taught meditation and yoga in Baildon, Bradford.

In October 2016, Leah shared that she had been diagnosed with lung cancer. Her friends and fans started a fundraiser to help pay for special treatment in Germany. They quickly raised £50,000 in just three days. Leah appeared on TV shows like This Morning and Loose Women. She talked about her cancer and her strong determination to fight it. She married her longtime partner, Jez Hughes, in 2017.

In August 2019, Leah mentioned she was part of a special clinical trial. She passed away on September 15, 2019, at the age of 55. Her passing was announced on October 16.

Filmography