Talented actress, hilarious company... Paula was at heart of Emmerdale

Tributes to soap’s top gossip, Betty

- MARK JEFFERIES  

EMMERDALE actress Paula Tilbrook, known to millions of fans as Betty Eagleton, has died ''peacefully" aged 89, her family have confirmed.

Paula played beloved Betty for 21 years on the ITV soap.

She took on the role as the one of the Dales' biggest ever gossips in 1994 and left in 2015, returning briefly for a cameo in the Christmas Day episode that year.

A statement from her relatives said: The family of Paula Tilbrook are sad to confirm the peaceful passing of their beloved Paula.

She died of natural causes a few months ago at home with her loved ones beside her.

The family respectfully requests privacy at this difficult time".

Paula died on December 1, but news of her passing only came to light yesterday when her obituary was published by theatre industry magazine The Stage.

It said she "effortlessly established Betty as an iconic, straight-talking northerner who quickly moved to the centre of many of the soap's most popular storylines".

Betty is also fondly remembered for her relationship with Seth Armstrong (played by Stan Rich-ards), largely regarded as one of the best ever to feature in the soap.

Last night Emmerdale bosses paid tribute, saying in a statement We are saddened to hear of the passing of our much loved colleague, Paula Tilbrook.

"Paula was at the heart of Emmerdale for many years and she will be greatly missed by all who worked with her and by the fans of her character, Betty.

We have lost a great talent and a wonderful friend but she will forever live in the memories of those lucky enough to have known her."

Mark Charnock, who plays Marlon Dingle, said: "I first saw the wonder that was Paula Tilbrook on stage at Oldham Coliseum and never before or since have I seen any actor hold an audience so completely in the palm of her hand.