Emmerdale star Shirley Stelfox, who played battleaxe Edna Birch, has died after a short illness aged 74.
A statement from Associated International Management confirmed that the actress, who previously appeared in Coronation Street and Keeping Up Appearances, had been battling cancer and passed away on Monday night with her daughter, Helena, by her side.
ITV executive producer, John Whiston, 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.’