It’s a sad day for Emmerdale fans.
Show stalwart Shirley Stelfox, who played Edna Birch for 15 years, has died aged 74.
Shirley lost her short battle with cancer and passed away peacefully at home with her daughter, Helena, at her side, say Associated Artist Management.
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ITV's executive producer said: "The family here at Emmerdale are deeply saddened by Shirley's passing, it is hard to imagine Emmerdale without her.
"We offer our condolences to Shirley's family and share our feeling of loss with the millions of viewers who will miss Edna enormously.”
Fellow actors have voiced their sadness at Shirley's passing on Twitter.
The RADA-trained actress had a varied career on stage and screen, appearing in many West End shows and a variety of TV shows, including playing Rose in Keeping Up Appearances.