Emmerdale actress Kitty McGeever (pictured), who played Lizzie Lakely on the popular ITV1 soap, has died

Emmerdale star Kitty McGeever who made history as the first ever blind person to be cast in a British soap has died aged 44.

The actress, who played Lizzie Lakely on the popular ITV1 show, was surrounded by her close friends and family when she passed away last night.

McGeever, 44, had been battling health problems for more than a decade following the death of her only son Felix.

Emmerdale producers confirmed the news and paid tribute to a 'great talent and a true inspiration'.

A spokesman for the show said: 'It is with much sadness that Emmerdale confirms actress Kitty McGeever, who played the character of Lizzie Lakely, passed away last night, surrounded by her loving family.

'Kitty was a great talent and a true inspiration to all who worked with her. The cast and crew are devastated at her passing and she will be missed tremendously and remembered fondly by all of us.'

The talented actress joined Emmerdale in 2009 and played Lizzie until she was forced to quit in 2013 due to health reasons.

Shortly after the news was announced, tributes to the actress began to pour in from Emmerdale stars and fellow actors.

Gemma Outen, who plays Rachel Breckle, tweeted: 'So sad to hear the news our dear Kitty Mcgeever has died. Never forget the scene's we used to have with her infectious laugh miss you xxx.'

Chelsea Halfpenny, who portrays Amy Wyatt in the soap, then said: 'So, so saddened by the loss of our lovely Kitty McGeever. I feel so lucky to have worked with such a wonderful, hard-working woman. Rest in peace you beautiful soul.'

Danny Miller, who plays Aaron Livesy, said: 'Truly saddened to hear the passing of our dear, dear friend Kitty McGeever. A huge personality emmerdale will be missed terribly. RIP.'

Coronation Street actress Cherylee Houston, who plays Izzy Armstrong in the ITV1 soap, tweeted: 'So saddened to hear Kitty McGeever has passed, what a lovely, warm, funny, talented lady. xx.'

She made TV history when she became the first ever blind person to be cast in a British soap in 2009. Her character Lizzie worked in a sweet factory (pictured)

The actress (left) was surrounded by her close friends and family when she passed away last night

Emmerdale star Rik Makarem, who plays Nikhil Sharma, said: 'Deeply emotional hearing Kitty McGeever passed away.

'This woman was strength personified. A beautiful generous spirit. Up with the angels now Kitty! Thank you for breathing energy & light into so many of us! God bless you and RIP xxx.'

Doctor Who actor Robert Whitelock, who attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts with the late star, said: 'Very sad to hear of the death of Kitty McGeever.

'We were at RADA together and she was a generous, warm individual. I called her Mama Cath.'

McGeever had only recently lost her sight before she landed the part of Lizzie in 2009.

The star, who was diagnosed with diabetes aged 19, developed the life-threatening condition pre-eclampsia during pregnancy and became very unwell after giving birth to her first son.

Felix, who was delivered two months early, suddenly developed heart and lung complications at four months.

The stress started to take its toll on McGeever and she suffered with heart problems, kidney failure and diabetic retinopathy - which then triggered the loss of her sight.

Despite undergoing laser treatment she lost her sight in just five months and her son passed away in 2003 aged 15 months.

The talented actress joined Emmerdale in 2009 and played Lizzie until she was forced to quit in 2013 due to health reasons, pictured with her co-star Liam Fox who played Dan Spencer

McGeever, 44, had been battling health problems for more than a decade following the death of her only son Felix, pictured (left) at the British Soap Awards and (right) before the ceremony

In an interview she said: 'My kidneys weren't working so my body was filling with fluid and I went into heart failure. I realised there was something wrong with my eyes and went to see the specialist.

'They told me I had this condition that would usually take five to 10 years to take my sight but it took five months because of all the stress.'

When the news of her casting was announced, she said: 'I'm thrilled to be joining as Lizzie and delighted that the show is challenging stereotypes in this way'.

Her character, Lizzie, was a popular addition to the long-running drama and helped to keep Jai Sharma's workforce laughing when she took up a job at his sweet factory.

In one episode Lizzie was attacked by an angry Aaron Livesy who pushed her to the ground, sending her handbag into the river.

She also supported her cousin Lisa Dingle after she confided in her about being raped by Derek Benrose.

McGeever previously starred in London's Burning and is a main character in a film called The Unfolding, set for release at the end of August.

Emmerdale producers confirmed the news and paid tribute to a 'great talent and a true inspiration', pictured on the show with co-star James Baxter