Emmerdale legend Verity Rushworth has received support from fans after sharing a touching tribute on social media
An Emmerdale star has shared an emotional tribute after a heartbreaking loss. Verity Rushworth first graced the popular ITV soap as Donna Windsor in 1998, stepping into the role previously held by Sophie Jeffery. The 40-year-old actress portrayed the beloved character until 2009, making Donna the third longest-serving character in the Dales at the time of her exit. In 2014, it was announced that Verity had chosen to reprise her role for a five-month stint.
She made her comeback in March of that year, where it was disclosed that Donna was battling terminal lung cancer. Tragically, the character took her own life a few months later by throwing herself and Gary North from a multi-storey car park. Her final appearance was in a flashback sequence the day after, when her daughter, April Windsor (Amelia Flanagan), was kidnapped and taken to the car park where Donna met her end.
Prior to her death, Donna was embroiled in several unforgettable storylines, including her tumultuous marriage to Marlon Dingle (Mark Charnock), her corrupt activities as a police officer, and her affair with Ross Barton (Michael Parr), reports the Mirror.
On Monday (January 19), Verity posted a touching tribute to her father Michael on the second anniversary of his death. Alongside a smiling photo of her dad, she penned on Instagram: “Two years today xxx Thought about every single day and missed more than anything. The best of the best xxx No 1 Dad.”
Verity’s friends and followers rallied around her in the comments section, posting a flurry of heart and dove emojis.
Verity broke the news of her father’s passing in January 2024, penning on social media: “Daddy. My ultimate hero xxx Dad fought the fight till the bitter end and showed immense strength and bravery throughout. Dad passed away peacefully in his bed knowing just how very loved he is. We will miss him so very much. The kindest Man who never failed to make you laugh. Love you Daddy and thank you for everything.”
She has since posted numerous tributes to her cherished dad, including one on his birthday last June. Alongside a collection of family photos, the star wrote: “Happy heavenly birthday Daddy! ! We miss you so so much xxx The best Dad in the world xx Ethan is your carbon copy xxx So so funny, hazel eyes like his Grandad and [a] very good sport. Hope you’re having a nice cold pint with Nana Iris xxx Love you.”
Since her departure from Emmerdale, Verity has featured in the BBC medical drama Doctors, as well as securing several theatre roles. She notably portrayed Velma in Chicago at the Curve Theatre in 2014, and played Lauren in the West End production of Kinky Boots in 2017. Off-screen, Verity is married to theatre director Dominic Shaw, and they have two children – nine-year-old Amelie and six-year-old Ethan.
Verity’s on-screen daughter, April, has endured a challenging year in Emmerdale after experiencing homelessness. She returned home to her father, Marlon, and step-mother, Rhona Goskirk (Zoe Henry), just before falling into the trap of drug dealer Ray Walters. Ray and his malevolent mother, Celia Daniels (Jaye Griffiths), tormented April for several months last year.
But that’s not all, as the evil pair also kept Bear Wolf (Joshua Richards) prisoner on their farm, along with numerous other captives. Eventually, Ray desired to start a new life with Laurel Thomas (Charlotte Bellamy), leading him to stab his mother in their kitchen.
Ray soon met a similar end when his body was spotted being dragged through the village shortly before the Corriedale crossover. The mystery surrounding his murder will finally be unravelled in a series of flashback episodes this week. Who in the village is responsible?
- Coronation Street Full Episode | Tuesday 27th January
- Emmerdale Full Episode | Tuesday 27th January
- Coronation Street Today epi (26 Jan 2026): Emotions Run High as Secrets Come to Light
- Emmerdale Today (26 January 2026) Secrets Resurface and Dangerous Truths Come Out
- Next week 26th to 30th January on Emmerdale Kim and Joe are faced with a ghost from the past, Paddy continues to protect Bear and Ruby comes to a horrific realisation.
- Bradley and Lisa React To Brand-New Emmerdale Trailer
