Emmerdale actress Meg Johnson has died aged 86.
The ITV soap paid tribute to the star - who played Pearl since 2003 - and hailed her as "kind and wonderful" in a joint statement with her family.
The statement read: "It is with great sadness that we announce that actress Meg Johnson passed away peacefully yesterday evening surrounded by her family.
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"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.
"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."
Devastated fans flocked to pay tribute to the actress, with one writing: "RIP Meg, she was a wonderful actress and was fabulous as Pearl. Always glamorous, and always had heart. Lovely lady, my thoughts are with her family."
While another commented: "Heartbreaking news Thinking of Megs family and friends at this sad time thank you for legendary Pearl she was a fantastic character xx."
A third wrote: "So HEARTBREAKING! I Loved Her In Emmerdale As Pearl. She'll Be Sorely Missed. R.I.P Meg."
"So sorry to hear this..Meg was a great actress ..sending love & hugs to all her family & friends," another commented.
While actress Gemma Oaten - who appeared on the ITV soap with Meg - shared her own tribute on Twitter, writing: "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."
