Emmerdale fans in Huddersfield have been paying tribute to one of the soap's much-loved stars.
Actress Shirley Stelfox, who had played Edna Birch for the last 15 years, died on Monday after a short battle with cancer.
The 74-year-old passed away peacefully at home with her daughter Helena by her side, said Associated International Management.
On Facebook, fans in Huddersfield paid tribute to the actress:
Pat Guy wrote: "RIP Shirley, Emmerdale wont be the same without you."
Nicola Clayton said: "You will be missed Shirley aka Edna, RIP."
Anne Fyfe said: "It won't be the same without Edna."
June Jameson wrote: "Sad, she will be missed as an old timer in Emmerdale."
Kathy Bamforth wrote: "Such sad news, rest in peace Shirley."
David Tullet said: "Very sad, she played a good part in the show. God bless."
Judith Bleazard said: "Great actress, hope her hats go into a museum!"
Lynda Trickett said: "RIP an amazing actress."
Patricia Paradise wrote: "So sad, I will miss you in Emmerdale."
Michelle Smith said: "RIP, will be missed greatly."
Tributes were also paid by her Emmerdale colleagues.
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."
You may remember her from...
- RADA trained Shirley also played the first Rose in Keeping Up Appearances.
- Viewers may also remember her playing Jane Healy – the mother of Melanie – in an episode of EastEnders.
- She also played Julie Walters and Victoria Wood’s mum in TV movie Pat and Margaret.
- Her best known film role however was playing the $2 prostitute in a movie adaption of George Orwell’s 1984- alongside acting heavyweights John Hurt and Richard Burton.
