The Emmerdale community is mourning alongside one of its beloved stars after heartbreaking news emerged that the mother of actress Charley Webb has passed away following

a long and painful battle with Alzheimer’s disease. The devastating loss has touched fans across the soap world, particularly because it came on a day meant to celebrate mothers everywhere.

Charley Webb, best known for portraying Debbie Dingle on the long-running ITV soap Emmerdale, confirmed that her mother, Helen, died on Mother’s Day after fighting

Alzheimer’s for more than a decade. The announcement was shared in an emotional tribute that quickly resonated with thousands of fans who have followed the actress both on screen and in her personal life.

In a deeply moving Instagram post, Webb reflected on the profound impact the illness had on her family. Alongside a nostalgic childhood photograph showing her mother kissing her cheek, the actress described the devastating reality of living through Alzheimer’s—an illness often described as “the long goodbye.”

“My beautiful Mum left us today on Mother’s Day,” she wrote. “The past twelve years were stolen from us. That’s the only way to describe this feeling.”

Her words captured the complex grief experienced by families who watch loved ones slowly fade under the weight of the disease. For many followers, the tribute felt painfully relatable, echoing the experiences of countless families facing similar battles.

Webb also took time to express heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers who had looked after her mother during the final years of her life. According to the actress, Helen had spent the last three years receiving dedicated care, and the family remains deeply thankful to those who supported her through the illness.

“Thank you to everyone who looked after her so well,” Webb wrote, acknowledging the individuals who helped provide comfort during the most difficult period of her mother’s decline.

The grief was shared by Webb’s brother, actor Jamie Lomas, who is widely recognized for his roles in Hollyoaks and other British television dramas. Like his sister, Lomas posted an emotional message honoring their mother’s strength while reflecting on the painful reality of watching Alzheimer’s slowly change someone they loved.

“Sadly we lost our beautiful mum today on Mother’s Day,” he wrote. “After a twelve-year battle with Alzheimer’s, she finally decided it was time to leave us.”

In his tribute, Lomas shared a sentiment often voiced by families affected by the disease: that losing someone to Alzheimer’s can feel like experiencing grief twice. First comes the slow disappearance of the person as the illness progresses, and later comes the physical loss.

“For anyone who knows what it’s like to have someone with this awful illness, you will know that you lose them not once but twice,” he wrote.

The actor described the heartbreak of witnessing a once-strong parent gradually become a shadow of who they once were—a transformation that can be particularly painful for families to endure.

“Our mum was always so strong,” he continued. “Watching her slowly turn into someone who was just a shell of who she once was was very difficult to take.”

Despite the immense sadness surrounding her passing, both siblings expressed relief that their mother was finally at peace after years of struggle.

“You are now at peace, Mum,” Lomas wrote in his farewell message. “We love you and we will miss you so, so much.”

He also shared a deeply personal reflection on the unique bond between mother and child, noting that Helen had loved him long before the world knew who he was.

“You were the first person to love me before the world even knew I existed,” he wrote, closing his message with a heartfelt goodbye.

The tributes from Webb and Lomas quickly drew an outpouring of support from fans and fellow actors across the entertainment industry.

Among those sending condolences was Lisa Riley, who plays Mandy Dingle on Emmerdale. Riley shared a message of compassion in response to Webb’s post, offering love and strength during the difficult time.

“So much love and strength at this difficult time,” Riley wrote.

Other celebrities also expressed their sympathy, including Gemma Atkinson, known for her appearances on Strictly Come Dancing, who responded with a heartfelt message of support.

“Oh Charley, I’m so sorry,” Atkinson wrote.

Lacey Turner, a star of EastEnders, also joined the wave of condolences, telling Webb she was sending “so much love” during the painful period of mourning.

The emotional tributes highlight the strong sense of community that often exists among soap stars, many of whom have supported each other through both professional triumphs and personal tragedies.

For fans of Emmerdale, Webb has long been a familiar and beloved face. Her character Debbie Dingle became one of the show’s most iconic figures during her time in the Yorkshire village, delivering dramatic storylines and emotional performances that resonated with viewers for years.

Off screen, however, Webb has always been open about the importance of family in her life—a value that has become even more evident in the wake of her mother’s passing.

The loss also shines a spotlight on Alzheimer’s disease, a condition that affects millions of families worldwide. Known for gradually eroding memory, personality, and independence, the illness often places enormous emotional and physical strain on both patients and caregivers.

For the Webb-Lomas family, the twelve-year battle represented a long and heartbreaking journey, one that slowly reshaped their relationship with the woman they loved.

Yet amid the grief, the tributes shared by Charley Webb and Jamie Lomas also serve as a celebration of Helen’s life—a life remembered through childhood memories, unwavering love, and the profound influence she had on her children.

As messages of support continue pouring in from fans and friends, one thing remains clear: Helen’s memory will endure not only through the family she raised, but also through the countless people moved by the heartfelt tributes honoring her life.

And while Mother’s Day will forever carry a bittersweet meaning for Charley Webb and Jamie Lomas, it will also remain a reminder of the deep bond they shared with the woman who loved them first.