Emmerdale's Zoe to take a break from soap
Emmerdale actress Leah Bracknell is taking a break from the show to qualify as a yoga teacher, it was announced today.
Bracknell, who plays lesbian vet Zoe Tate, will leave the soap this autumn in a dramatic storyline. She plans to take around nine months off then return to the ITV show.
The 40-year-old mother of two is a keen yoga fan – last year she released her own exercise video.
“I will greatly miss everyone at Emmerdale but I am looking forward to spending some time with my family and having the opportunity to pursue other projects. I will also be finishing my teaching diploma in yoga which is something I am passionate about,” she said.
“After 15 years playing Zoe it will be strange to spend time apart from her but I will be interested to see what the story office has planned and look forward to re-discovering her when I return.”
Zoe has been at the centre of some of the soap’s biggest storylines over the years.
She had a lesbian fling with Charity Dingle in 2001 and the following year had a schizophrenic breakdown.
She fell pregnant and was shocked to discover Scott Windsor was the father of her baby.
Details of her exit storyline are being kept under wraps but a show insider said: “Her departure will be dramatic.”
Emmerdale series producer Kath Beedles said: “Leah is an exceptional actress and has made a huge contribution to Emmerdale’s ongoing success. We wish her all the best for her well-earned break and look forward to welcoming her back in the future.”
