The family and co-stars of Emmerdale's Meg Johnson have paid tribute to her following her death. The actress, who played Pearl Ladderbanks in the ITV soap, was said to have died on Saturday night after a battle with dementia.
In a joint statement with ITV, the Mirror reports her family said: "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."
Read more: Emmerdale's Pearl actress dies as ITV show pays tribute to the 'wonderful' Meg Johnson
Following news of her death, tributes poured in for Meg including those from her former castmates at Emmerdale. Aaron Dingle actor Danny Miller tweeted: "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."
Lisa Riley, who plays Mandy Dingle in the soap, said Meg taught her respect and comedy.
She tweeted: "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. You energy lives on, because you were so very special. R.I.P. Meg.!"
Bernice Blackstock actress, Samantha Giles tweeted: "So sad to learn of lovely Meg Johnson's passing, who played glamorous Pearl in Emmerdale. She was such fun and I particularly remember her famous saying when she got her lines wrong: 'oh pig's bum.'"
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Gemma Oaten wrote: "Sending so much love to the Emmerdale family and family of the late and great Meg Johnson. A beautiful woman inside and out, who was always so kind to me during my Emmerdale days. I'm sure Shirley, Freddie, Richard and Co will take good care of her up there RIP lovely Meg x."
Fans also rushed to pay tribute, with one social media user saying: "RIP Meg, she was a wonderful actress and was fabulous as Pearl. Always glamorous, and always had heart. Lovely lady, my thoughts are with her family."
While another commented: "Heartbreaking news Thinking of Megs family and friends at this sad time thank you for legendary Pearl she was a fantastic character xx."
A third wrote: "So HEARTBREAKING! I Loved Her In Emmerdale As Pearl. She'll Be Sorely Missed. R.I.P Meg."
"So sorry to hear this..Meg was a great actress ..sending love & hugs to all her family & friends," another commented.
