Emmerdale star, 3, died after horror accident left her with burns

A new actress has taken on the role of Angelica King in ITV's Emmerdale after the death of the original young star. The character is now portrayed by Rebecca Bakes and has returned to viewers' screens following her stint at a secure children's facility for causing the death of her mate, Heath Hope, several months back.

In 2009, the original actress, Sophie Firth, featured in the ITV programme as Jimmy and Nicola King's daughter Angelica for three months, before tragically perishing in a devastating mishap at just three years old. Sophie was visiting her grandmother's home in South Yorkshire in December 2012 when her dress caught fire from a gas heater. The youngster was scheduled to portray an angel in her nursery nativity the following week, but became consumed by flames whilst proudly displaying the outfit to her grandmother. Her devastated relatives explained she had leaned towards a gas fire and the hem of her dress made contact with the flame, immediately bursting into a fireball.

Whilst Sophie's mum, Amy, attempted to extinguish the blaze using a blanket, 70 percent of Sophie's body sustained burns. Following nine days at Sheffield Children's Hospital, Sophie tragically succumbed to a blood infection.

Her parents, Neil and Amy, issued a statement at the time confirming the loss of their "bright and beautiful" little girl.

They added that they will "carry their little princess in their arms forever". An Emmerdale spokesperson expressed their sorrow, stating: "We are devastated to hear of Sophie's tragic death. Our sincere condolences go out to her family. Everyone at Emmerdale is thinking of them at this sad time."

A representative for South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue also commented: "This was a tragic accident and our thoughts are with the girl's family and friends at this extremely distressing time.

"Any fire can be dangerous. We would urge people to pay particular attention to the risk of fires in their home during the cold weather and as we approach the holiday season."

Following Sophie's untimely passing, her parents raised funds for charities in her memory, including The Children's Hospital Charity - with their JustGiving page amassing nearly £23,000.

They wrote on the page: "Anyone who ever met Sophie knows not only was she beautiful but she was exceptionally bright, loving and funny. Her family and friends miss her more than words can say; our anguish at the loss of such a young and promising life is too much to bear.

"Her mum Amy and Dad Neil cannot imagine life without Sophie. Sophie was three and a half (and the half mattered), just by being Sophie she said and did so many things that brought joy to our lives, she was at the centre of everything she did and the heart of the family."