Emmerdale legend dies leaving village devastated in heartbreaking scenes
EMMERDALE has said goodbye to village legend Pearl Ladderbanks tonight.
The iconic character – who was played by actress Meg Johnson in the ITV soap – died off-screen with her grandson sending word to her friends in the village.
Actress Meg died last July in a care home having battled dementia for several years.
In tonight’s episode it was revealed Pearl had died leaving her close pals Paddy Kirk, Vanessa Woodfield and Rhona Goskirk devastated.
They received a letter from Oliver as well as one final knitted jumper for Paddy’s birthday.
“Gran knew she was fading but kept fighting until the end,” the letter read.
“You were always in her thoughts and she was determined you should have one last jumper. Knitting it kept her going.
“Not long enough but longer than I could’ve hoped so thank you.”
The group then toasted the legendary village character as they reminisced about her obsessive knitting habits.
“I miss them,” Paddy said adding: “But not as much as I miss her.
“She was the best friend you could ever have.”
Actress Meg died last July. Her death was confirmed by her family, talent agency Jorg Betts Associates and ITV Emmerdale.
The joint statement said: “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 Ladderbanks in Emmerdale from 2003.
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“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.”