Emmerdale Star Verity Rushworth Shares Heartfelt Tribute to Late Father
Former Emmerdale actress Verity Rushworth has received an outpouring of support from friends and fans after sharing a poignant tribute to her father on the second anniversary of his passing. The actress, best known for her portrayal of fan favourite Donna Windsor in the long-running ITV soap, posted a touching message on social media earlier this week.
A Beloved Character and a Personal Loss
Verity Rushworth first joined the cast of Emmerdale in 1998, taking over the role of Donna Windsor from Sophie Jeffery. She played the character for over a decade until 2009, making Donna the third longest-running character in the Dales at the time of her departure. The actress reprised the role for a five-month storyline in 2014, which saw Donna receive a terminal lung cancer diagnosis before tragically ending her life.
Donna Windsor was involved in several major storylines during her time in the village, including:
- Her turbulent marriage to Marlon Dingle
- Corrupt activities as a police officer
- A dramatic affair with Ross Barton
Her final appearance came in a flashback sequence after her on-screen daughter, April Windsor, was abducted and taken to the location where Donna died.
Remembering Michael Rushworth
On Monday, January 19, Verity shared a smiling photograph of her father Michael alongside a heartfelt caption on Instagram. She wrote: "Two years today xxx Thought about every single day and missed more than anything. The best of the best xxx No 1 Dad."
The post prompted an immediate response from her followers, with many offering supportive comments and sharing heart and dove emojis in solidarity with the actress during this difficult time.
Verity first announced her father's passing in January 2024, describing him as her "ultimate hero" who had "fought the fight till the bitter end." She noted that he passed away peacefully knowing how deeply loved he was, and remembered him as "the kindest Man who never failed to make you laugh."
Since that initial announcement, the actress has continued to honour her father's memory through regular tributes. Last June, she marked what would have been his birthday with a collection of family photographs, writing: "Happy heavenly birthday Daddy!! We miss you so so much xxx The best Dad in the world xx." She particularly noted how her son Ethan bears a striking resemblance to his grandfather.
Life Beyond the Dales
Since leaving Emmerdale, Verity Rushworth has maintained an active career in both television and theatre. She has appeared in BBC medical drama Doctors and taken on several notable stage roles, including playing Velma in Chicago at Leicester's Curve Theatre in 2014 and portraying Lauren in the West End production of Kinky Boots in 2017.
Away from her professional life, Verity is married to theatre director Dominic Shaw. The couple have two children together: nine-year-old Amelie and six-year-old Ethan.
April Windsor's Ongoing Storyline
Meanwhile, in Emmerdale, Verity's on-screen daughter April Windsor has faced considerable challenges in recent months. After a period of living on the streets, April returned home to her father Marlon and step-mother Rhona Goskirk, only to be drawn into drug dealer Ray Walters' dangerous world.
Ray and his mother Celia Daniels made April's life miserable for months last year, while also holding several characters captive on their farm. The storyline reached a dramatic conclusion when Ray stabbed his mother before meeting his own mysterious end in the village.
Viewers will soon discover the full circumstances behind Ray's murder through a series of flashback episodes scheduled to air this week, revealing which village resident is ultimately responsible for his death.
Emmerdale continues to air weekday nights at 8pm on ITV1 and STV, followed by Coronation Street at 8.30pm as part of ITV's soap scheduling strategy.
