Emmerdale actress Kitty McGeever has died.
The actress passed away surrounded by her family, a spokeswoman for Emmerdale told ITV news.
McGeever made history in 2009 by taking on the role of hell-raiser Lizzie Lakely in Emmerdale - becoming the first blind person to be cast as a regular in a British soap - having previously appeared in the ITV drama London's Burning.
She left the programme in 2013 due to ill health, according to Digital Spy.
The Unfolding, a horror movie which is due to be screened at the Frighfest film festival on 28 August, would become her last acting appearance.
In a statement seen by ITV news, Emmerdale described McGeever in a statement as a "great talent" and a "true inspiration".
"The cast and crew are devastated at her passing and she will be missed tremendously and remembered fondly by all of us."
McGeever's Emmerdale colleagues have lead tributes to the actress, including Danny Miller, who plays Aaron Livesy; Rachel Breckle who performs as Gemma Oaten; and Chelsea Halfpenny who is Amy Wyatt in the soap.
Truly saddened to hear the passing of our dear, dear friend Kitty McGeever. A huge personality @emmerdale will be missed terribly. #RIP
— Danny Miller (@DannyBMiller) August 17, 2015
So sad to hear the news our dear Kitty Mcgeever has died. Never forget the scene's we used to have with her infectious laugh miss you xxx
— Gemma Oaten (@gemmaoaten) August 17, 2015
So, so saddened by the loss of our lovely Kitty McGeever. I feel so lucky to have worked with such a wonderful, hard-working woman.
— Chelsea Halfpenny (@ChelseaHP) August 17, 2015
Rest in peace you beautiful soul.
— Chelsea Halfpenny (@ChelseaHP) August 17, 2015
