ITV Emmerdale village tearful over sad 𝕕eath as legendary character 𝕕ies

Emmerdale is set for sad death news next week, which leaves the village tearful.

In upcoming scenes, Paddy Kirk, Rhona Goskirk and Vanessa Woodfield are left shocked to hear that Pearl Ladderbanks has passed away. Paying tribute to Pearl, an emotional Paddy wears the last jumper she’ll ever knit for him in order to honour her memory.

Emmerdale is set for sad death news next week, which leaves the village tearful

It comes as Pearl Ladderbanks actress Meg Johnson sadly died aged 86 last year. At the time, Emmerdale paid tribute to the star – who played Pearl since 2003 – and hailed her as “kind and wonderful” in a joint statement with her family.

The statement read at the time: “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.”

Meg’s flamboyant and loud character Pearl made a huge impression when she first rocked up in the Dales back in 2003, branded a “trollop” by Edna Birch.

She went on to be involved in a number of big storylines, including the appearance of her rapist son and his shock death, and her various rocky relationships. More recently, she was a receptionist at the local vets and worked with Paddy and Rhona.

In January 2020, Pearl moved to a static caravan in Demdyke to gain some independence. Meg also starred in two roles in Coronation Street – as Brenda Holden in 1976 and Eunice Gee from 1981 until 1999. One year later, she appeared on Brookside as Brigid McKenna until 2003, when she was cast in Emmerdale. She was also part of the cast of Victoria Wood As Seen On TV alongside the late comedian as well as Dame Julie Walters and Celia Imrie.

In 1997, she took to the stage in the original cast of the London revival of Chicago, playing prison warder Matron Mama Morton for more than a year, and can be heard on the London Cast Recording of Chicago, singing When You’re Good To Mama, Me And My Baby, and Class.