Former Emmerdale star Amy Nuttall has been left devastated following the death of her mother just weeks after splitting from her 'cheating' husband.

The 41-year-old actress, who also starred in Downton Abbey, took to Instagram to share the heartbreaking news alongside a montage of pictures with her beloved mum who passed away from a brain tumour, the Mirror reports.

She wrote: “My heart is beating loudly whilst I write this. Yesterday I said goodbye to my beautiful dear mummy. "She was diagnosed in July with a glioblastoma (grade 4).

"To say it was the biggest shock would be an understatement. Together with my wonderful family, we helped care for her to the end where she died in my arms as I lay beside her on 30/10/23 at 5.05pm.”

Amy continued: “She humbled us all with how she handled this cruel diagnosis... never complaining, always smiling and bringing her daft humour to the fore every day.

"Mum, you were my rock. My best friend. I’m not sure how I’m going to do life without you but I know you’ll always be with me to carry me through as you always did.

"Thank you mummy... you gave me the best days I ever had.”

Fans and some of Amy's famous friends were quick to leave her messages of support and love in the comment section.

Her Downton co-star Joanne Froggatt wrote: “Darling, I am so, so sorry. Sending you all my love.”

A fan wrote: “I am so sorry for your very sad loss Amy.

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"It’s such a cruel disease and such a heartbreak with every breath losing a parent. Sending love and strength to you.”

Another commented: “Dear Amy, I lost my dad 3 months ago and feel your pain. The sadness is forever and I’m sending you so much love.”

A third replied: “I’m so, so sorry for your loss. I lost my wonderful father in September and I’m utterly devastated.

"I understand the pain the shock and fear and numbness you’re feeling right now. Be kind to yourself Xx.”

While a fourth added: “I lost my mum last year. It’s the worst feeling in the world. You will never get over it but you will learn to live with it and she will always be in your thoughts.”

The sad news comes just weeks after Amy separated from her Broadchurch actor husband Andrew Buchan for the second time.

The Emmerdale star is said to be 'gutted' after realising that her marriage to the 44-year-old could not be saved.

The pair had previously split at Christmas last year amid rumours that Andrew had cheated on Amy with his 39-year-old Better co-star, Leila Farzad.

The couple then reconciled earlier in the summer and Amy created a list of strict rules that Andrew had to follow in order to keep their marriage intact.

However, now it seems that the rules have turned out to not be enough for the couple who first married in 2012 and share two children as they have split up for good.

A source told The Sun: “It took a lot for Amy to give the marriage another chance but she thought it was worth one final roll of the dice.

"There is no suggestion he has cheated again, but as far as she is concerned this is it. She is obviously gutted but also accepts that their time together has come to an end.”

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