Legendary ‘Emmerdale’ character Annie Sugden is to pass away next week, following Sheila Mercier’s death last year.
Actress Sheila passed away peacefully in her sleep in December 2019 at the age of 100 after playing Annie on the ITV soap from 1972 until 1994, and her character will meet her maker off-screen next week.
Victoria Barton – played by Isabel Hodgins – will receive a devastating phone call revealing her grandmother has passed away.
Following Sheila’s death, a soap spokesperson said in a statement: "It’s always sad to hear of the death of an actor who played a significant part in Emmerdale’s success.
"Even more so when that actor was in the very first episode and around whose family the show was built.
"Annie Sugden embodied all the virtues of Yorkshire … she was hard working, resilient, determined, down to earth and didn’t suffer fools gladly. Sheila had many of those qualities too, putting the needs of the programme above her own and always delivering a great performance come rain or shine. She will be greatly missed."
Several of Sheila’s former co-stars paid tribute to the actress.
Frederick Pyne, who played Matt Skilbeck in ‘Emmerdale Farm’ – as the show was previously known from its launch in 1972 until 1989 – announced the star’s death.
He wrote: "Sad to tell all you ‘Emmerdale’ fans that Sheila Mercier, Annie Sugden, died peacefully in her sleep… She would have been 101 years old on New Years Day. She was a great character and wonderful to work with. (sic)"
Claire King – who plays Kim Tate on the show – tweeted: "RIP Sheila Mercier, the beating heart of Emmerdale, never forgotten, so many wonderful memories, love and condolences to all her family."
‘Emmerdale’ also dedicated an episode to the show legend.