Emmerdale fans moved as soap pays emotional tribute to late star Meg Johnson following her death aged 86
Emmerdale fans were moved to tears as the soap paid tribute to the late actress Meg Johnson during Monday night’s show.
Meg, who played iconic soap character Pearl Ladderbanks from 2002, passed away on July 1, aged 86, with the family issuing a statement over the weekend.
At the end of the episode, a title card appeared on screen alongside a photo of the actress, which read: ‘Meg Johnson, 30 September 1936 – 1 July 2023.’
Fans of the soap shared their thoughts on Twitter, with one adding: ‘Nice touch, Rest in eternal peace to the brilliant Meg Johnson.’
Another person wrote: ‘That was a lovely tribute to Meg Johnson ( Pearl) at the end of tonight’s episode.’
Thoughtful: Emmerdale fans were moved to tears as the soap paid tribute to the late actress Meg Johnson during Monday night’s show (pictured in 2017)
A third posted: ‘Wee photo of Pearl, Meg Johnson. Deepest condolences to her family, friends & colleagues.’
Meg had been diagnosed with dementia in her final years, her family shared in a statement.
Her passing came four months after the death of her husband Charles Foster, who was an ITV Granada announcer, which was announced in February.
The actress’ death was announced by her family in a joint statement with her talent agency Jorg Betts Associates and ITV Emmerdale.
The statement read: ‘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 in Emmerdale.
‘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.’
On screen: Meg, who played iconic soap character Pearl Ladderbanks from 2002, passed away on July 1, aged 86, with the family issuing a statement over the weekend (pictured in 2015)
Fans of the soap shared their thoughts on Twitter, with one adding: ‘Nice touch, Rest in eternal peace to the brilliant Meg Johnson’
Tributes to the actress flooded in from fans on social media following the news of her death.
While actress Gemma Oaten – who appeared on the soap with Meg – wrote: ‘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. I’m sure Shirley, Freddie, Richard and Co will take good care of her up there RIP lovely Meg x.’
One person said: ‘Oh no, I loved her on Emmerdale and she’s currently in the classic episodes.’
Statement: The actress’ death was announced by her family in a joint statement with her talent agency Jorg Betts Associates and ITV Emmerdale over the weekend
***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk