OVER the years Emmerdale has welcomed some truly memorable characters.
One person who certainly left her mark on the Dales was Zoe Tate.
Who is Zoe Tate?
Arriving in the Dales in 1989, Zoe Tate– played by the late actress Leah Bracknell– is considered to be one of Emmerdale’s most iconic characters of all time.
She lived with her father Frank Tate, stepmum Kim Tate and brother Chris in their family mansion, Home Farm.
During her time in the famous village, she worked as the local vet alongside Paddy Kirk.
Her character was also the first to come out as gay on Emmerdale.
Zoe had a serious relationship with Emma Nightingale, and the couple wanted to get married.
As same-sex marriages were still illegal at the time, the pair chose to have a blessing ceremony.
What happened to Zoe Tate?
Zoe’s downfall started when she murdered her brother Liam Hammond after he held her captive.
Chris Tate then tried to help her cover up the killing but they were unsuccessful.
She went to trial but luckily for the vet the jury concluded her actions as a lawful killing and she was found not guilty.
However, things didn’t get any better for Zoe.
She was later diagnosed with schizophrenia after becoming depressed and setting the local church on fire.
It had all got too much for her and by 2006 Zoe left Emmerdale for a new life Down Under.
In her iconic exit scene Zoe and the Home Farm estate manager Callum Rennie broke the gas pipes at the house and drove off.
Leah Bracknell was a hugely popular member of the Emmerdale cast for over 16 years. During that time she featured in some of the show’s most high profile and explosive plots and always delivered a pitch perfect performance.
Emmerdale paid tribute to Leah Bracknell
She has never returned to the village, but over the years has been mentioned fondly by her former co-worker Paddy.
Sadly, actress Leah Bracknell, who played the popular vet died, in 2019.
At the time ITV released a statement which read: “Everyone on Emmerdale is very sad to hear of the death of Leah Bracknell.
“Leah was a hugely popular member of the Emmerdale cast for over 16 years.
“During that time she featured in some of the show’s most high profile and explosive plots and always delivered a pitch perfect performance.
“Zoe Tate was one of soaps first lesbian characters and Leah made sure the character was both exciting and credible.
“Leah herself was a very generous and caring colleague, much loved by cast and crew alike.”
Who is the father of Zoe Tate’s baby?
After Zoe Tate had a one-night stand with Scott Windsor in 2003 she had a baby called Jean.
The tot’s early life was full of drama and even led to an investigation into her injuries by social services.
However, things took an even more sinister turn when Zoe’s baby daddy Scott held them hostage.
It all proved too much for the village vet, and together with baby Jean she left the Dales and emigrated to New Zealand.
Remembering Leah Bracknell
Actress Leah Bracknell passed away aged 55, leaving her incredible Emmerdale legacy behind.
We take a look back at her family life and brave battle with lung cancer:
Mum-of-two Leah was an iconic Emmerdale star who left the show in 2006 after near 20 years.
Following her tenure on the ITV soap, the actress went on to teach yoga and meditation.
Sadly, in October 2016, she revealed she had lung cancer.
Leah passed away in September 2019.
She is survived by her two children and her husband Jez Hughes.