Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt), Rhona Goskirk (Zoe Henry) and Vanessa Woodfield (Michelle Hardwick) were given devastating news in Monday’s (April 1) episode of Emmerdale – Pearl Ladderbanks has died.
Back in July of last year, it was confirmed soap actress Meg Johnson had died at the age of 86.
A statement was released on the social media channels for Emmerdale at the time, who said that the late actress died ‘peacefully’ while ‘surrounded by her family’.
‘It is with great sadness that we announce that actress Meg Johnson passed away peacefully yesterday evening surrounded by her family,’ it read.
‘Meg was a kind and wonderful lady, full of warmth and always with a twinkle in her eye. She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her.’
Meg first started playing Pearl Ladderbanks in Emmerdale in 2003, a role she portrayed until her final appearance in 2020.
In tonight’s episode, Paddy, Mandy, Ella (Paula Lane), Suzy (Martelle Edinborough) and Vanessa were chatting about Paddy and Mandy’s upcoming wedding.
They were enjoying themselves and laughing over plans for the big day, but their smiles dropped when Rhona entered looking emotional.
She had a package in her hand that came from Owen, Pearl’s grandson. Tearful, Rhona then revealed a letter, which confirmed Pearl passed away.
Pearl worked as a receptionist at the vets, which meant she often spent a great deal of time with Vanessa, Rhona and Paddy.
In the pub, as drinks were ordered, the trio spent time chatting about Pearl, who Paddy described as an amazing friend.
He then put on the blue jumper that came within the package and revealed to Suzy and Ella that Pearl would knit him a jumper for his birthday every single year, and it would either be miles too big, or miles too small.
Vanessa read out the letter from Owen, which detailed him saying how making the jumper for Paddy kept Pearl going for longer than he could’ve hoped.
The group raised their glasses and toasted to Pearl. A beloved friend, one they will miss dearly.
