Emmerdale actress Leah Bracknell’s widower has found love two years after his partner tragically passed away, it’s been reported.
The 55-year-old died from lung cancer in September 2019 but was known for playing Zoe Tate on the long-running ITV soap.
Leah’s widower, Jez Hughes, married the soap star in 2017 – two months after they found out the actress’ cancer diagnosis was incurable.
They had been together for 13 years when they tied the knot.
It’s been reported Jez has found love once more following his wife’s tragic passing and has been dating Precious Dunlop for two months.
(Image: The People)
A source told The Sun: “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.”
During her time on the show, her character was part of big storylines including being the first lesbian character in a British soap, her character’s schizophrenia diagnosis, the betrayal of her stepmother Kim, and the death of her father.
Her last appearance in the soap was 2005 but she still remains an iconic character in today’s soap-land history.
(Image: Facebook)
Previously speaking about her partner Jez, Leah had told The Sun: “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.”
Leah was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2016, however, in 2017 her biological therapy had stopped working meaning she had to survive solely on alternative treatments for several months.
This led to people raising money and donating £50,000 towards her treatments.
(Image: Getty Images)
However, she sadly passed away in 2019, with her devastated husband Jez saying at the time: “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.”
“Ali is the bravest person I’ve ever met and she faced the last three years of cancer with dignity, grace and light.”
He continued: “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.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
