Meg Johnson dies

Former 'Emmerdale' star Meg Johnson has died.

The veteran actress - who played Pearl Ladderbanks on the soap for 17 years until 2020 - has passed away at the age of 86 after battling dementia, her family have announced.

A joint statement from her family, the talent agency Jorg Betts Associates and the ITV show released on Sunday (02.07.23) 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.”

Before landing her role in 'Emmerdale', Meg played Eunice Gee in 'Coronation Street' in the early 1980s and reprised the role briefly in 1999. She also had a third soap role, playing Brigid McKenna in 'Brookside'.

'Emmerdale' actor Danny Miller was among the first to pay tribute to his late former co-star.

He 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."

And Lisa Riley praised Meg for having taught her "discipline, respect, comedy, and how not to take life too seriously."

She added: "You are the true meaning of the words-wonderful woman. your energy lives on, because you were so very special. R.I.P. Meg."

Gemma Oaten noted other former 'Emmerdale' stars Shirley Stelfox, Freddie Jones and Richard Thorp would "take good care of her up there”.

She added: “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.

“Such a sad loss, but what a life and what a treasure she was. She was always so kind (and wickedly funny!).”

Meg was married to ITV Granada's continuity announcer Charles Foster, who was reported to have died earlier this year.