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Craig Jones

Emmerdale's Emma Atkins on 'favourite' character Leah Bracknell she misses the most

Emmerdale legend Emma Atkins has paid tribute to another icon of the show Leah Bracknell.

As Emmerdale fans will know, Charity Dingle, played by Emma Atkins, had an affair with Zoe Tate, portrayed by Leah Bracknell, back in the early 2000s. Sadly, Leah died, aged 55, in September 2019, three years after being diagnosed with stage four lung cancer.

As part of a retrospective marking Emmerdale’s 50th anniversary, Emma, has spoken of her love for her former co-star. Emma said: “Being in the show for so long you get to work with some incredible talent. I would have to say one of my favourite human beings to work with was Leah Bracknell - I miss her so much.

Read more: Emmerdale icon Claire King reveals Kim Tate's true love

“We had some incredibly funny, intense stuff together. The secret affair behind Chris Tate's back was one. We were both really nervous about that to begin with but the more we talked about it and went through our lines the more I realised this is a walk in the park as I am with someone who is so incredibly understanding, such a great team player and such a decent human.

When you are faced with that you have nothing to worry about. She took all the worry away. I miss her a lot.”

Emma has also told fans of the impact Emmerdale has had on her life. The acting star has been a regular in the ITV soap since 2000 and been involved in some major storylines.

Emma concluded: “The job has undoubtedly changed my life. It’s given me wonderful security; being part of the Dingle family. Whether I’d have left years ago or sustained my time here I just think I will forever be a Dingle. It’s an honour.”

You can visit our Emmerdale homepage to find the latest gossip about the soap and its stars. There you'll also find our Emmerdale features and news about the show's 50th anniversary plans.

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