Emmerdale star secretly married partner last year

A FORMER Emmerdale icon married her long-term partner in a secret ceremony, according to reports.

By Jazmin Duribe /

Emmerdale cast member Leah Bracknell married author Jez Hughes in March 2017.

The 53-year-old played Zoe Tate on the ITV soap for 16 years.

Leah revealed in 2016 that she had been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer.

Leah initially chose not to have chemotherapy and instead decided immunotherapy – which boosts the body's own ability to fight the disease – was her best option.

Leah Bracknell and Jez Hughes forest FACEBOOK/JEZHUGHES

JUST MARRIED: Leah and Jez got hitched back in March 2017

“While I'm usually quite private, it was a time where I was grateful for that support”

Leah Bracknell

However, the treatment wasn't available on the NHS and she would have to travel to Germany and pay for treatment privately.

The story touched the hearts of the public and soon Leah raised nearly £65,000 needed for the treatment from public donations.

Sadly, Leah and Jez discovered in March 2017 that her treatment had not worked, so the couple decided to get hitched before time ran out.

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    The actress-turned-yoga teacher has since started her first chemo to help manage her symptoms and make her eligible for a new immunotherapy drug only recently approved in the UK.

    Leah appeared on Lorraine back in December 2017 and said of her condition: "I feel pretty good.

    "There's obviously going to be issues now and again but generally I feel I'm very lucky and fortunate and blessed."

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      She added: "While I'm usually quite private, it was a time where I was grateful for that support."

      Leah was Emmerdale's first lesbian character and won Best Exit at the British Soap Awards upon her explosive departure back in 2006.

      Viewers are desperate for her to reprise her iconic role following the return of her evil nephew Joseph Tate (Ned Porteous) to Emmerdale.