Charley Webb shared an adorable childhood image with her thousands of followers as she made a poignant public tribute. The former Emmerdale star took to Instagram to share a photo of herself as a young girl with her dad.
Tragically, Charley's dad died when she was just 14 years old and Thursday, September 28, marked 20 years since his passing. The actress, who is best known for playing Debbie Dingle in the ITV soap, shared the throwback image which showed her as a toddler in a denim boilersuit with mousy blonde hair.
She is seen in her dad's arms who appears to be leaning against a sideboard in a striped jumper and denim jeans. "Miss you Papa," she typed alongside the sweet photo. She then added: "20 years 28/09/02."
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Gemma Atkinson, who also marked 20 years since her own dad's death this year, was among the first to respond and commented how much a young Charley looks like her youngest son, Ace. "It’s like looking at a picture of you and Ace," the Hits Radio host posted alongside a red heart.
Former Emmerdale stars Sheree Murphy and Antony Quinlan simply posted hearts under Charley's post while close friend Sammy Winward, who played Katie Sugden in the ITV soap, replied: "Love you Charles."
Charley's followers also showed their support while also sharing their own stories of loss. @ jamkat840 said: "Absolutely feel your missing your papa….lost my mum 20 years ago 6/6/02….never forgotten." @donna_sfield shared: "Hugs. I lost my dad 28/9/21 it’s so hard without them."
@laceykate7 commented: "He’s looking at you with total adoration in his eyes. Sending you love today (and every day)." @michellemo_x replied: "Thinking of you and sending a hug. Never easy." @tinaharvey28 added: "Sending you lots of love I lost my Dad 10yrs ago and it still hurts."
Others also agreed with Gemma and commented how much three-year-old Ace, her youngest child with Emmerdale star husband Matthew Wolfenden, takes after his mum. @alimarshall22 said: "Aah Charley you look like Ace in this pic…. We met you & Mum when she was really missing him he’d only been gone 3 years. God Bless."
@lolbmills wrote: "I thought that was Ace. Such a lovely photo." @butterflysam5 echoed: "Omg I thought it was ace." @sbskin_and_beauty posted: "Ace is your double." @charlotteedwards2802 replied: "Wow that could be your brother holding Ace. Sending you love." @melboyd11 added: "Wow ace looks just like you."
Earlier this year Charley shared an emotional message on Father's Day as she paid tribute to her late father. Charley shared an adorable throwback photo of herself giving her dad a kiss. The mum-of-three from Bury wrote: "Daddy’s Girl 20 years without this dream of a man. HF’s day to all the lovely, kind Daddy’s with or without us. Life is so short, remember to love your people a lot."
The 34-year-old received a raft of support following her message including from her older brother Hollyoaks actor Jamie Lomas, 47. "Miss him very much sending you a big hug," said the soap's Warren Fox star with love heart emojis.
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