Emmerdale star Kitty McGeever has passed away. The actress played Lizzie Lakely in the ITV show and made history as the first blind British actress to star in a soap opera.
It’s said Kitty – who’s thought to be in her forties – was surrounded by her friends and family as she passed away last night. An Emmerdale spokesperson confirmed the news, saying: “It is with much sadness that Emmerdale confirms actress Kitty McGeever, who played the character of Lizzie Lakely, passed away last night, surrounded by her loving family.
“Kitty was a great talent and a true inspiration to all who worked with her. The cast and crew are devastated at her passing and she will be missed tremendously and remembered fondly by all of us.”
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Tributes have poured in for popular Kitty, with co-star Gemma Oaten writing on Twitter: “So sad to hear the news our dear Kitty Mcgeever has died. Never forget the scenes we used to have with her infectious laugh miss you…”
Chelsea Halfpenny later wrote: “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.”
Kitty lost her sight aged 32, just before landing the role as Lizzy in Emmerdale.
After giving birth to her son Felix two months early, he developed heart and long complications. His ill health took a huge toll on Kitty who – as a result of stress – suffered with a heart problems and kidney failure that later triggered her sight loss.
Sadly, soon after Kitty lost her sight, Felix passed away. She later went on to have a kidney transplant and when back to full health started attending auditions and castings.
Kitty joined Emmerdale in 2009 and played the role of Lizzie until she had to leave due to ill health in 2013.