Emmerdale’s original Angelica King star died in tragic accident aged just three
Angelica King might have a smaller role on the ITV soap nowadays, but some years ago, the actress who portrayed her was recast after Sophie Firth tragically lost her life
Emmerdale is braced for a return after Angelica King was confirmed to be coming back to the ITV soap.
The character had been away for some time after Angelica was handed an eight-month stint in a children’s home. This came after she was involved in a harrowing driving incident that left her responsible for the death of good pal Heath Hope.
Currently, the role is played up-and-comer Rebecca Bakes, who recently announced she would be making a return to the show following her time away. Rebecca will make her comeback when Angelica makes her return to the village in what is going to be a tense storyline for viewers.
However, what many viewers may not know is that the original actress who played Angelica tragically lost her life in a freak accident. As a result, the role was recast over a decade ago – to be landed by Rebecca, who has continued play her ever since.
The little actress had been staying at her grandmother’s house in Doncaster in South Yorkshire, according to the Daily Mail, when the dress she was wearing caught fire. It was believed that Sophie had been standing close to a gas heater, which then caused the dress to burn.
Mum Amy attempted to put out the flames as best as she could, covering the toddler in a blanket in an attempt to choke the fire out. However, Sophie sustained burns that covered a terrifying 70% of her body.
Sophie was rushed to Sheffield Children’s Hospital immediately for medical treatment, but sadly lost her life nine days later when she succumbed to a blood infection. She passed away with her parents Amy and Neil by her side, with a statement released by her doting parents mourning loss of their “bright and beautiful” baby girl.
The statement went on to say that Neil and Amy will “carry their little princess in their arms forever”. Upon hearing the news, Emmerdale bosses wept as they offered their deepest sympathies, with a spokesperson for the soap saying: “Everyone at Emmerdale is thinking of them at this sad time.”
Following her tragic death, Sophie’s parents have been raising funds for the Children’s Hospital Charity in her memory. Currently, the parents have raised an impressive £23,000 for the charity, but are pushing to raise more as a gesture of thanks to the staff who helped Firth in her final moments.
“Anyone who ever met Sophie knows not only was she was she beautiful but she was exceptionally bright, loving and funny,” the page said. “Her family and friends miss her more than words can say; our anguish at the loss of such a young and promising life is too much to bear.”