Shirley Stelfox: Emmerdale actress dies after short battle with cancer
Other acting credits include film roles such as the adaptation of 1984
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Shirley Stelfox, the actress best known for playing Edna Birch in Emmerdale has died after a short battle with cancer, aged 74.
The agency, Associated International Management, announced her death in a statement and said she passed away peacefully at her home on Monday with her daughter Helena by her side.
She played Edna on the long-running ITV soap set in the Yorkshire dales for 15 years.
Prior to Emmerdale, Stelfox had roles in Keeping Up Appearances, The Bill, Coronation Street and Crossroads.
John Whiston, the ITV executive producer 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.”
Stelfox also had a number of film credits including the adaption of George Orwell’s 1984 opposite John Hurt and Personal Services alongside Julie Walters, as well as numerous theatre roles.
She was married to the actor Don Henderson from 1979 until his death in 1997.
Additional reporting by Press Association.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments