Widower of Emmerdale’s Zoe Tate posts heartbreaking tribute to mark third anniversary of her tragic death
THE widower of Emmerdale actress Leah Bracknell has posted a heartbreaking tribute on the third anniversary of her death.
Leah, who played Zoe Tate in the ITV soap, passed away in September 2019 aged 55, three years after she was diagnosed with lung cancer.
Her husband Jez Hughes posted the lengthy tribute on Instagram, calling the actress by her real name Alison.
He said: "Three years tomorrow. I’ll be in the woods teaching and holding a sweat which seems fitting.
"I found this old, blurred photo from way back when and it brought back good, if painful memories. Grief is like an eagle, it soars so high and close to the sun you thinks it’s gone, then suddenly it’s down upon you, talons tearing you to shreds til you’re bloody and bruised all over again, raw flesh exposed to the wind."
Jez added: "Ali, you died on the same full moon as the queen, which I know will make you smile.
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"That Piscean ocean transitioning you to another world where I know, deep in my heart, you are soaring and tearing up another adventure anew.
"And this makes my heart sing, a balm to all these earthly sorrows."
Last year The Sun told how Jez had found love again two years after losing his wife, with Precious Dunlop.
A source said: "Jez's friends are delighted for him and have wished them both well. It's been such a heartbreaking time losing Leah, but he is back in a happy place and is enjoying life once more."
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Jez wed his long-term partner Leah in 2017, six months after they learned her cancer was incurable and inoperable.
He had nursed Leah while she was ill and helped raise funds for her experimental treatment.
The couple were married in a small and intimate civil ceremony in Horsham, West Sussex, on March 10 2017 after being together for 13 years.
Speaking about Jez, Leah had previously said: "My husband is like my rock.
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"He is by my side a lot of the time. He has been a great sounding board.
"I think we support each other as well. My family do OK. I’m not positive all the time, but I am optimistic."