Leah Bracknell, 55, was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer in 2016 but defied the odds to battle through the disease for three years until her death last month. Jez took to Facebook and shared a lengthy post where he thanked her fans for their outpouring of love since her death. He said the Emmerdale actress “flies in free spirit” but revealed his “heart is broken”. Jez 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.”
He continued: “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.
Jez added: “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.”
Leah tied the knot with her husband Jez Hughes in 2017.
She is survived by her daughters Lily Watson, 28, and Maya Watson, 24.
The actress is best known for her role as Zoe Tate in the ITV soap Emmerdale when she made her debut in 1987.
Leah’s management released a statement, following the new of her death and 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 four 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 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. 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.”
Last year, Leah recalled the moment she was told the news about her cancer diagnosis in 2016.
“If I cast my mind back to the day of my diagnosis, the young woman tasked with passing on the news came armed with pity,” she said.
“And pity, is something else which I find at best futile and at worst offensive.”
It took 10 days and four GPs to see Leah before she was admitted to A&E and subsequently diagnosed with stage four lung cancer.
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