Emmerdale actress Shirley Stelfox dies following short battle with cancer
The 74-year-old was best known for playing Edna Birch on the ITV soap
Emmerdale actress Shirley Stelfox has died following a short battle with cancer.
A statement from Associated International Management said she had passed away peacefully on Monday at home with her daughter Helena by her side.
The 74-year-old was best known for her role in ITV's Emmerdale as Edna Birch, which she played for the last 15 years.
Shirley made her first screen appearance as Edna in May 2000. Edna was known for her iconic hats which she was rarely seen without.
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."
Emmerdale's Verity Rushworth, who left the soap last year, was first to lead the condolences, writing: "Thinking of the entire @emmerdale family and the loved ones of the legendary Shirley Stelfox. Taught me so much when growing up. Xxx ❤️RIP❤"️