OVER the years Emmerdale has welcomed some truly memorable characters. One person who certainly left her mark on the Dales was Zoe Tate . Arriving in the Dales in 1989, Zoe Tate - played by the late actress Leah Bracknell - is considered to be one of Emmerdale's most iconic characters of all time.
She lived with her father Frank Tate , stepmum Kim Tate and brother Chris in their family mansion, Home Farm. During her time in the famous village, she worked as the local vet alongside Paddy Kirk. Her character was also the first to come out as gay on Emmerdale.
Zoe had a serious relationship with Emma Nightingale, and the couple wanted to get married. As same-sex marriages were still illegal at the time, the pair chose to have a blessing ceremony. Zoe's downfall started when she murdered her brother Liam Hammond after he held her captive.
Chris Tate then tried to help her cover up the killing but they were unsuccessful. She went to trial but luckily for the vet the jury concluded her actions as a lawful killing and she was found not guilty. However, things didn't get any better for Zoe.
She was later diagnosed with schizophrenia after becoming depressed and setting the local church on fire. It had all got too much for her and by 2006 Zoe left Emmerdale for a new life Down Under. In her iconic exit scene Zoe and the Home Farm estate manager Callum Rennie broke the gas pipes at the house and drove off.
Leah Bracknell was a hugely popular member of the Emmerdale cast for over 16 yea.