Emmerdale's Paula Tilbrook has passed away, her family has confirmed. She was 89 years old.
The actor, who played sherry-swigging gossip-loving Betty Eagleton, joined the popular ITV soap as Seth Armstrong's former flame back in 1994. She retired from the role in 2015.
"She died of natural causes a few months ago at home with her loved ones beside her," those closest to her explained in a prepared statement. According to The Stage, she passed away in December.
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During her time on the show, Betty and Seth (Stan Richards) visited Australia over Christmas, having planned to stay there for a good few months. Betty returned, expecting Seth to follow in the holidays.
However, the show decided to have the character pass away on the plane ride home due to Richards' real-life death.
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ITV said in a statement: "We are saddened to hear of the passing of our much-loved colleague, Paula Tilbrook. Paula was at the heart of Emmerdale for many years and she will be greatly missed by all who worked with her and by the fans of her character, Betty.
"We have lost a great talent and a wonderful friend but she will forever live in the memories of those lucky enough to have known her."
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Before her 21-year stint on Emmerdale, she had appeared on Coronation Street in several minor roles, including two unnamed bit parts, Annie Walker's pal Estelle Plimpton, pub landlady Olive Taylor-Brown and WARTS (Weatherfield Association of Retail Traders and Stockholders) member Vivian Barford.
Outside of soaps, she appeared in sitcoms such as Open All Hours, South of the Border and Last of the Summer Wine, as well as films like Me You and Him, Walter, Walter and June, Yanks, A Private Function and The Final Frame.
Emmerdale airs on ITV.
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