Emmerdale cast member Angelica King has been portrayed by two actresses – Rebecca Bakes and the late Sophie Firth.
It has been 12 years since Emmerdale recast the character Angelica King, originally played by Sophie Firth who tragically passed away at the age of three in a freak accident.
In the storyline, Angelica was sentenced to eight months in a secure children’s home for her involvement in a dangerous driving incident that resulted in the death of her friend Heath Hope. The role is now portrayed by Rebecca Bakes.
Sophie Firth was the first actress to play Angelica before she tragically passed away.
According to reports by Mail Online in December 2012, Sophie was at her grandmother’s house in South Yorkshire when her dress caught fire due to a gas heater.
Despite her mother Amy’s efforts to put out the flames with a blanket, Sophie suffered severe burns covering 70% of her body.
After nine days at Sheffield Children’s Hospital, Sophie sadly passed away due to a blood infection.
She died surrounded by her family, including her parents Neil and Amy, who released a statement mourning the loss of their “bright and beautiful” daughter and vowing to “carry their little princess in their arms forever”.
According to the Mail Online, Sophie’s family relocated temporarily to her maternal grandmother’s house in Skellow, Doncaster, while their own home was undergoing refurbishments.
An Emmerdale spokesperson expressed deep sorrow at the tragic news, stating: “We are devastated to hear of Sophie’s tragic death. Our sincere condolences go out to her family. Everyone at Emmerdale is thinking of them at this sad time.”
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue shared his grief over the incident: “This was a tragic accident and our thoughts are with the girl’s family and friends at this extremely distressing time.”
He also entreated the public to remain vigilant against fire hazards, especially during cold weather and the upcoming festive period: “Any fire can be dangerous. We would urge people to pay particular attention to the risk of fires in their home during the cold weather and as we approach the holiday season.”
In memory of Sophie, her parents initiated fundraising efforts for The Children’s Hospital Charity, managing to raise nearly £23,000 on their JustGiving page.
Accompanying their campaign is a touching message: “Anyone who ever met Sophie knows not only was she was she beautiful but she was exceptionally bright, loving and funny. 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.”
They continued: “Her mum Amy and Dad Neil cannot imagine life without Sophie. Sophie was three and a half (and the half mattered), just by being Sophie she said and did so many things that brought joy to our lives, she was at the centre of everything she did and the heart of the family.”
