Actress and model Lorraine Chase has graced British television for over four decades and later became known for playing the charming yet covetous Steph Stokes in ITV’s Emmerdale.
She also found fame providing the inspiration for the song Luton Airport by Cats UK – a band featuring her co-star Deena Payne.
Eager to gain as much money as she could from certain village residents, ex-convict Steph became established as a bully but also showcased a softer side when she tried to cunningly get her own way.
Mother to Tricia Dingle and daughter to Alan and Jill Turner, Steph’s turbulent lifestyle became a must-see for viewers across the nation.
READ MORE: Emmerdale star forced to up security after being victim of homophobic death threats
Before leaving the show, Steph was arrested after she attempted to kill her father and herself by driving her car off a cliff.
Since leaving the show officially, Daily Star star has taken a deep dive into what the 71-year-old did next.
Reality TV
(Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Following her time on the show, Lorraine starred in a number of reality TV shows.
In 2011 the actress became a contestant on ITV’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! and came fourth place in the popular series.
Speaking to Digital Spy after leaving the jungle, she said: “I should’ve done my homework before I went into the show because I had no idea how tough it was going to be.
“It’s a lot tougher than you think. There is a game within a game within a game. Oh, it was very difficult.”
The star also appeared on Channel 5 show Celebrity Carry on Barging in 2017 and took part in Celebs on the Farm in 2018.
Health battle
(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)
In 2013, Lorraine had a cancerous growth removed from her face.
Between the bridge of her nose and her left eye, a surgeon cut out the skin carcinoma which had been slowly growing unexpectedly for four years.
Sharing her experience, Lorraine admitted that she was very worried about her ordeal but was glad that it was finally gone.
She explained: “I now call myself ‘Scarface’ but really you can hardly see it. There was a big hole where the cancer was cut out but the ophthalmic surgeon who stitched me up did it sympathetically.
“I was really worried how I might look after the operation, but apart from a little ridge across my nose, I think it’s livened up that eye. The best part is the cancer is gone. I’m not ready to slip from the mortal coil just yet.”
Twelve years prior Lorraine was also treated for cervical cancer.
Husband’s death
(Image: David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock)
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Lorraine’s husband John Knight sadly passed away in 1996 after losing his battle with cancer.
Sharing her thoughts on his passing in 2013, Lorraine admitted that she has never gotten over his death.
She told Mail Online: “I’d watch him go through chemotherapy, which was debilitating. Just when he was starting to feel better again, they’d tell him it was time for the next round of chemo.
“He never once complained and the only time I saw him cry was when he was told stem cell replacement therapy had failed.
“He must have known there was little hope, but he never gave up and agreed to every medical intervention.”
The star said her husband died at home and “I don’t think I’ve ever really got over it.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
