ACTOR SHIRLEY STELFOX, best known for the character Edna Birch on British soap opera Emmerdale, has died at the age of 74 after a short battle with cancer.

She passed away at her home on Monday with her daughter Helena at her side.

Paying tribute to her, 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.”

She had played the character of Birch for 15 years.

Stelfox had a broad career, training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) and going on to feature in a host of television and films. 

She had roles in Keeping up Appearances, The Bill, Coronation Street and Crossroads.

Her film credits included appearing opposite John Hurt in the adaptation of George Orwell’s 1984, and in Personal Services, a 1987 film in which she appeared with Julie Walters.

She had been married to her husband Don Henderson for 18 years until his death in 1997.

The announcement of Stelfox’s passing was followed by an outpouring of sympathy on social media.

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