Meg Johnson played Pearl Ladderbanks in Emmerdale for an impressive 17 years before the sad news of her death was announced today.
The much loved actress, 86, who also starred in Coronation Street, was a fan a favourite in the Dales and often at the centre of some gripping storylines.
After 16 years in the soap, Meg took an extended break from Emmerdale until 13 January 2020, when it was revealed Pearl had been away from the village on a caravan holiday.
The character made a handful of guest appearances until the COVID-19 pandemic, with Meg's last scene airing on 30 March 2020.
Pearl ended up leaving the village and moving into a static home in Demdyke, wanting to express her independence.
Over the years, the star's storylines saw pensioner Pearl defending her rapist son Frank Bernard Hartbourne, being trapped in a fire during the Sugden house explosion, developing a gambling addiction - and faking Alzheimer's disease to prevent her addiction from being revealed.
Speaking about her tenure as the diminutive powerhouse, Meg previously said: "It's outrageous! She loves flowery and colourful clothes – there’s a lot of pink in her wardrobe. You never see Pearl out without her face on and her hair done."
Following the sad news of the actress' death, ITV paid tribute to the star in a joint statement with her family, which read: “It is with great sadness that we announce that actress Meg Johnson passed away peacefully yesterday evening surrounded by her family.
“Meg was a kind and wonderful lady, full of warmth and always with a twinkle in her eye. Meg had an outstanding career that ended with her playing Pearl Ladderbanks in Emmerdale from 2003.
“Meg had dementia for the last few years, but battled on personally and professionally regardless. She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her.”
The actress' co-stars also paid their respects with Danny Miller, best known for playing Aaron Dingle in Emmerdale, tweeting: “Truly devastated to hear this. Pearl was a fair way to describe our lovely Meg. The creator of ‘pigs bum!!’ – should she ever forget her lines, and a loved soul throughout the building. Shared many laughs with her and Dominic on set.”
Meanwhile, Lisa Riley, who plays Mandy Dingle, posted: “God bless you Meg. Those many many many days at OTW with David, you taught me so much, discipline, respect, comedy, and how not to take life to (sic) seriously.
“You are the true meaning of the words-wonderful woman. your energy lives on, because you were so very special. R.I.P. Meg.!"
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