Paula Tilbrook, an Emmerdale veteran of 21 years, has died today. The actress bowed out of her role in the show in 2015 at the age of 84, having spent a career in soap acting since the 1970s. She originally appeared 11 times on Coronation Street before gravitating to Emmerdale in 1994.
How did Paula Tilbrook die?
Paula Tilbrook died aged 89, but while the news broke today, she actually passed on December 1 last year.
In a prepared statement, her family revealed she died of natural causes.
They spoke via Emmerdale, adding the actress had passed peacefully.
They took to social media to reminisce about her character and talent, saying it was a “joy” to watch her.
One said: “I loved that character – RIP Betty.”
Another added: “Anyone following classic Emmerdale will have seen how easily Paula Tilbrook slotted into the show, within a few episodes it was like she had always been there.
“An effortlessly brilliant comic actress, they obviously took great joy in writing for her. It was a joy to watch her.”