Tributes to Emmerdale actress

Shirley Stelfox, the Emmerdale actress who lived in Collingham, has died, aged 74, following a short battle with cancer.

She was best known for her role as Edna Birch in the ITV soap for the past 15 years.

Shirley was married to actor Don Henderson, who died in 1997.

The RADA-trained actress had a varied career on stage and screen, appearing in many West End and leading television productions.

Her stage work included Not Now Darling at The Strand, London; Toad Of Toad Hall at The Duke Of York’s Theatre, London; and Cavalcade at Chichester Festival Theatre.

On television she played leading roles in Common As Muck, Civvies, Making Out, Keeping Up Appearances, Pat And Margaret, and Hope And Glory.

Shirley also played opposite John Hurt in the movie adaptation of the George Orwell novel, 1984, and starred with Julie Walters in Personal Services.

'Hard to imagine Emmerdale without her'

Mr John Whiston, managing director of continuing drama and head of ITV in the North, 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.

“Shirley passed away peacefully at home with her daughter, Helena, by her side after a short battle with cancer.”

Tom Lister, who played villain Carl King in Emmerdale, tweeted: “My beautiful, dear friend Shirley. How I’ll miss you and the laughs that we had together.”

Actress Verity Rushworth, who played Donna Windsor before leaving the series last year, said on Twitter: “Thinking of the entire @emmerdale family and the loved ones of the legendary Shirley Stelfox. Taught me so much when growing up.”