In a cruel twist of timing, the two beloved actors lost their mother on a day that is typically meant to celebrate mums across the UK. Soap actor siblings Jamie Lomas and Charley Webb are mourning their mother, Helen, who died on Mother’s Day after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
The actors revealed the heartbreaking news on March 15, telling fans their mum had lived with the illness for more than a decade.
Lomas is best known for playing Warren Fox on the long-running soap “Hollyoaks,” while Webb became a household name for her role as Debbie Dingle on “Emmerdale.”
Both actors built successful careers on British soap operas and became familiar faces to audiences over the years.
Jamie Lomas Honors His ‘Beautiful Mum’ in Heartbreaking Tribute
Lomas shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram alongside a photo of himself with his mum, Helen.
In the emotional message, he told followers the family had lost their “beautiful mum” on Mother’s Day after what he described as a 12-year battle with Alzheimer’s.
Reflecting on the long illness, Lomas wrote that anyone who has experienced Alzheimer’s understands that you “lose them not once but twice,” describing the pain of watching someone slowly become “just a shell of who they once were.”
He also shared a tender farewell to his mother, saying she was now “at peace” and remembering how she had been the first person to love him “before the world even knew I existed.”
Lomas ended the tribute by thanking the many caregivers and staff members who supported Helen throughout her illness, calling them “amazing people” for the care they gave her each day.
Read his heartbreaking post sharing the news of his mum’s death here.
Charley Webb Shares Emotional Tribute to Her ‘Beautiful Mum’
Webb also shared a deeply personal tribute to her mother.
The actress, best known for playing Debbie Dingle on “Emmerdale,” posted a childhood photograph of herself with Helen on social media, alongside a heartfelt message reflecting on the family’s loss.
“My beautiful Mum left us today on Mother’s Day. 15/03/2026. The past twelve years were stolen from us, that’s the only way to describe this feeling. ‘The long goodbye’, Thank you to everyone for all of your support, especially everyone that’s looked after her so well for the last 3 years.”
Webb closed her tribute with a touching message to those who supported her during that painful time.
“And to all of my closest people, I couldn’t life without you”.
Soap Star Friends Rally Around the Grieving Family
Following the announcement, many of Lomas and Webb’s colleagues from the soap world shared messages of sympathy and support. Friends and fellow actors filled the comments with heartfelt condolences, offering words of comfort as the siblings mourn the loss of their mother.
Among those offering support was Niknaks Anderson, who shared a heartfelt message for Webb and her family. “Sending so much love to you and your family ♥️ if you need anything, we are here for you xxx,”
Actress Gemma Atkinson wrote, “Oh, Charley, I’m so sorry,” while Lisa Jane Riley sent her “so much love and strength at this difficult time.”
Others echoed similar sentiments. Actress Sheridan Smith wrote: “Babba 😢😍 pleased you’re here with me, and Billy 🥺 we love you xx.”
A particularly emotional tribute came from Roxie Nafousi, who reflected on Webb’s words and the love she shared with her mother.
“I love you so much. She sounded like the most incredible woman, and she was so lucky to have you all. I’m so glad she can rest in peace now, and I know she’s going to be guiding you and cheering you on from the other side. May she rest in peace. Here for you always.”
Fans also joined the outpouring of support, with many sharing their own experiences of losing loved ones to dementia and sending messages of comfort to Webb and her family.
Charley Webb Previously Opened Up About Her Mum’s Dementia
Webb had spoken openly in the past about her mother’s illness and the emotional weight it carried for their family.
In 2023, the actress revealed publicly that Helen had been living with dementia for years. She explained that the diagnosis had actually come about a decade earlier, long before she felt ready to share the news with others.
Earlier this year, Webb admitted she was still struggling to fully come to terms with the reality of the situation. According to The UK Sun, she said: “I don’t think I’ve processed it.”
For Webb and Lomas, the disease had already taken so much long before their mother’s passing. Alzheimer’s gradually changed the woman they knew, leaving the siblings holding on to memories of the strong and loving mum who raised them.
