MORE SOAP NEWS:
The actress’s death came after a short period of illness and her manager confirmed that she passed away with daughter Helena by her side.
A number of soap stars, past and present, have now paid their respects, sharing tributes and pictures online:
One of the greatest storytellers with a wicked laugh... Will miss you Shirley Stelfox ❤️
— Michelle Hardwick (@ChelleHardwick) December 8, 2015Devastated. RIP our darling Shirley Stelfox. You had me at "oh you're a cheeky arse. I like you!" God I love you ❤ pic.twitter.com/4OBiXwiKDh
— Gemma Oaten (@gemmaoaten) December 8, 2015Thinking of the entire @emmerdale family and the loved ones of the legendary Shirley Stelfox. Taught me so much when growing up. Xxx ❤️RIP❤️
— Verity Rushworth (@VerityRushworth) December 8, 2015RIP Shirley Stelfox. Such a Lovely lovely woman, it was an honour to share some great storylines with her during my time at #Emmerdale
— Kurtis Stacey (@kurtisstaceyKS) December 8, 2015Really sad to just hear the news of Shirley Stelfox. Loved her. R.I.P dear Shirley xx
— Amy Nuttall (@amynutts) December 8, 2015Thinking of all my @Emmerdale buddies today. Shirley Stelfox was a joy to work with & an acting powerhouse. I will miss her, and Edna, lots.
— Ross Adams (@ross_adams) December 8, 2015So sad that Shirley Stelfox passed away. She was a real character! I was lucky enough to know and act alongside this remarkable woman x
— Anthony Quinlan (@AnthonyQuinny) December 8, 2015My beautiful dear friend Shirley. How I'll miss you and the laughs that we had together. https://t.co/EW5vAgEm8E xxx
— Tom Lister (@tomlister) December 8, 2015A number of other famous faces have also posted messages:
RIP Beautiful Shirley Stelfox seen here with love of her life Don Henderson pic.twitter.com/y6aeTzF44q
— Kathy Burke (@KathyBurke) December 8, 2015So sad to hear of the passing of Shirley Stelfox. A fantastically, generous actress and a lovely lady with the most wicked sense of humour x
— Sally Ann Matthews (@SallyAnMatthews) December 8, 2015Thinking of everyone @emmerdale today. Such sad news about the wonderful Shirley. I loved that lady. She taught me so much. X
— hayley tamaddon (@hayleysoraya) December 8, 2015ITV executive producer John Whiston has paid tribute to Shirley, stating: “The family here at ‘Emmerdale’ are deeply saddened by Shirley's passing, it is hard to imagine the show without her.
“We offer our condolences to Shirley's family and share our feeling of loss with the millions of viewers who will miss Edna enormously.”
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