Emmerdale fans were touched when soap paid emotional tribute to late star Meg Johnson
Emmerdale fans were moved as soap paid emotional tribute to late star Meg Johnson following her death at age 86
Emmerdale fans were moved to tears when the soap paid tribute to the late actress Meg Johnson on Monday night’s show.
Meg, who played iconic 2002 soap opera character Pearl Ladderbanks, passed away on July 1 at the age of 86, as the family issued a statement over the weekend.
At the end of the episode, a title card appeared on screen next to a photograph of the actress, which read, “Meg Johnson, September 30, 1936 – July 1, 2023.”
Fans of the soap shared their thoughts on Twitter, with one adding: “Nice touch, Rest in forever peace to the brilliant Meg Johnson.”
Another person wrote, “That was a beautiful tribute to Meg Johnson (Pearl) at the end of tonight’s episode.”
Thoughtful: Fans of Emmerdale were moved to tears when the soap paid tribute to the late actress Meg Johnson on Monday night’s show (pictured in 2017)
A third posted, “Wee photo of Pearl, Meg Johnson. Deepest condolences to her family, friends and 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’ passing 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 last night 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 excellent career that ended when she played Pearl in Emmerdale.
‘Meg suffered from dementia in recent years, but nevertheless fought on personally and professionally. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her.’
On screen: Meg, who played iconic 2002 soap opera character Pearl Ladderbanks, passed away on July 1 at age 86, with the family issuing a statement over the weekend (pictured in 2015)
Fans of the soap shared their thoughts on Twitter, adding: ‘Nice touch, Rest in forever peace to the brilliant Meg Johnson’
Tributes to the actress poured 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 the 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 beautiful Meg x.’
One person said, “Oh no, I loved her on Emmerdale and she’s currently in the classic episodes.”
Statement: The actress’s death was announced by her family in a joint statement with her talent agency Jorg Betts Associates and ITV Emmerdale over the weekend