Meg Johnson dead at 86 – Emmerdale actor who played Pearl Ladderbanks dies as tributes paid to ‘kind and wonderful’ star
EMMERDALE actress Meg Johnson has died aged 86.
The “kind and wonderful” soap star had played Pearl Ladderbanks in Emmerdale since 2003.
Her death was confirmed by her family, talent agency Jorg Betts Associates and ITV Emmerdale.
She was said to have been battling dementia “for the last few years”.
The joint statement said: “It is with great sadness that we announce that actress Meg Johnson passed away peacefully yesterday evening 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 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.”
Meg first arrived onto the Dales in 2003 as a receptionist at the vets.
She was part of some huge storylines including being trapped in a fire during the Sugden house explosion, developing a gambling addiction and faking Alzheimer’s disease.
Meg also appeared as Eunice Gee on Coronation Street and Brigid McKenna on Brookside.