Original Emmerdale star Sheila Mercier – who played Annie Sugden – has died at 100.
The show icon died peacefully in her sleep according to former Yorkshire Television co-star Frederick Pyne, who is quoted by Metro.co.uk.
A post on Twitter attributed to Pyne, who played Matt Skilbeck in the show, has emerged suggesting Mercier didn’t want a funeral.
The message read: “Sad to tell all you Emmerdale fans that Sheila Mercier, Annie Sugden, died peacefully in her sleep…
“She would have been 101 years old on New Years Day. She was a great character and wonderful to work with.”
Mercier was one of the first castmembers on the soap when it launched as Emmerdale Farm back in 1972.
(Image: Daily Mirror)
(Image: Yorkshire Television)
She was cast as Annie Sugden and became known by millions for her portrayal of the soap matriarch.
The actress stayed with the show from 1972 until 1994, bnut continued to make guest appearances in the show.
She notably returned for the funeral of Annie’s son Joe in 1995, and was last seen onscreen in 2009.
Mercier
We’ll be bringing you the latest updates on this breaking celebrity news story.
For the latest news and breaking news visit Mirror.co.uk/3am .
Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @DailyMirror – the official Daily Mirror & Mirror Online Twitter account – real news in real time.
We’re also on Facebook /dailymirror – your news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the Daily Mirror, Sunday Mirror and Mirror Online.
