Emmerdale's Shirley Stelfox, who played Edna Birch, has died

Fans of Emmerdale will know actress Shirley Stelfox well as the sharp-tongued Edna Birch, a character that has been on the soap for the last 15 years. Sadly, the news has come in that Stelfox passed away yesterday after a short battle with cancer.

ITV's creative director for soaps John Whiston has paid tribute to the much loved star;

"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."

Prior to her role in Emmerdale, Shirley appeared as Rose in the first series of Keeping Up Appearances (pic below!) and has had parts in programmes such as Juliet Bravo, The Bill, Crossroads, EastEnders, Brookside and even Coronation Street.

No doubt about it, Emmerdale really won't be the same without Edna's disapproving looks, those iconic hats and of course her beloved dog Tootsie, who we can only hope finds a worthy new owner in the village.