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Emmerdale star Rosie Bentham opens up over grief for her late father

Emmerdale star Rosie Bentham has opened up over her grief for her late father.

The actress, who portrays Gabby Thomas on the ITV soap, tragically lost her dad John a week before her 18th birthday after he suffered a blood clot.

Speaking in connection with Father's Day over the weekend, Rosie explained how she had dealt with her grief in the years since his passing.

Photo credit: ITV
Photo credit: ITV

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"Grief comes in different stages," Rosie told The Mirror.

"First, I was shocked, then anger, and then I found myself trying to remember when I'd last seen him and what I'd said.

"It's why now when I phone my mum up, I always say 'I love you' at the end of our call. But everyone deals with grief in different ways and for me, I was just about to turn 18. I can remember going out on my birthday with my friends and I just tried to put it to the back of my mind. That was how I coped with it all."

On people's response to her grief, she added: "Some people still don't know what to say [to me] but actually anything is better than nothing. Avoiding a situation makes it awkward or weird.

"I don't mind if people ask me about memories of my dad because I've got so many lovely ones.

Photo credit: ITV
Photo credit: ITV

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"Dad was so proud of us all, and my mum has been incredible. We were close before he died but I feel like when you go through something together like this, you get even closer.

"She will do anything for us all and I know she will always be there for me."

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7pm on ITV, with an extra episode at 8pm on Thursdays. Due to Euro 2020, there are currently some schedule changes, with each week's episodes premiering on ITV Hub during the tournament.


The Cruse Bereavement Care Freephone National Helpline is staffed by trained bereavement volunteers, who offer emotional support to anyone affected by bereavement.

The helpline, 0808 808 1677, is open Monday-Friday at 9.30am-5pm (excluding bank holidays), with extended hours on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings, when it is open until 8pm. You can also email helpline@cruse.org.uk.

Cruse Scotland can be reached on 0845 600 2227 or support@crusescotland.org.uk.


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