ITV Emmerdale cast's health issues including legend who had just months to liveEmmerdale stars have opened up up about their private health battles over the yearsView 5 Images ITV Emmerdale cast's health issues including legend who had just months to liveEmmerdale has cemented its position as one of Britain's most cherished soap operas - yet several of its treasured performers have faced devastating health struggles. ‌From confronting cancer to enduring debilitating conditions, we examine the ordeals that Emmerdale stars have overcome. Leah BracknellView 5 Images Leah sadly died in 2019 (Image: ITV)Former Emmerdale star Leah Bracknell received a devastating stage 4 terminal lung cancer diagnosis in 2016. ‌Jeff HordleyView 5 Images Jeff’s mother died from the same disease (Image: ITV)Soap stalwart Jeff Hordley - who portrays Cain Dingle - received a Crohn's Disease diagnosis in 1996. Claire KingView 5 Images Claire ‘struggles’ to go to work (Image: ITV)Emmerdale's Kim Tate star Claire King has spoken candidly about her struggle with rheumatoid arthritis throughout the years.