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A 3-year-old girl who starred on Emmerdale as a baby has died after her dress caught alight on a gas fire.

Sophie Firth, who appeared as Jimmy and Nicola King's daughter Angelica for three months in 2009, passed away on Tuesday (December 11) after nine days in hospital, the Daily Mail reports.

Firth was at her grandmother's home when the tragic accident occurred on December 2. She and her family were staying at the house in Skellow, South Yorkshire while their own nearby residence was being renovated.

Reports suggest that the youngster suffered 70% burns and later lost her battle to survive after developing a blood infection.

Firth's uncle Mick Harhoff commented: "Sophie was such a lovely little girl and she was exceptionally bright. She always used to say that she wanted to be a princess. You do expect that one day you may bury your parents but you never expect to bury a child."

Nicola Wheeler, who plays Emmerdale's Nicola, tweeted this week: "Tonight there is a star that burns a little more brightly. xxx"

The role of Angelica is currently played by Rebecca Bakes.

Digital Spy