There’s tragedy ahead in Emmerdale soon as the villagers discover former resident 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.
She also previously starred in Coronation Street, first in a few guest appearances as a character called Brenda Holden in 1976, before being cast as Eunice Gee in 1981.
It’s now been confirmed that Emmerdale will pay tribute to Meg and the character of Pearl when the residents discover she has passed away.
Pearl’s departure in 2020 saw her move into a static caravan in Demdyke after previously expressing she wants to feel more independent.
Described as upfront and genuine, Pearl – who worked as a receptionist at the vets – was a beloved character and much-loved neighbour to the other villagers, who will no doubt be devastated when the news of her death reaches them.
In the joint statement released by Meg Johnson’s family last year, her talent agency Jorg Betts Associates and ITV’s Emmerdale said, it added that Johnson had dementia in the final years of her life, ‘but battled on personally and professionally regardlesss’.
‘She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her.’
