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Edna Birch
Edna Birch is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Emmerdale, played by Shirley Stelfox. She made her first appearance during the episode first broadcast on 25 May 2000. Edna is characterised as a proud and independent Christian woman who often judges her neighbours' lifestyles. She is recognisable amongst the public for her pudding-basin hat and dog – firstly, Batley the Yorkshire Terrier, followed by Papillon Tootsie. Many of her stories have involved her dogs, including being run over saving Tootsie and the death of Batley, which won an award. The programme established friendships for Edna with many characters of a similar age, and in later years, she was paired with Sandy Thomas (Freddie Jones), which generated many comedic scenes.
Edna's family were also seen at various points. The introduction of her estranged sister, Lily Butterfield (Anne Charleston), created a new story for Edna as it was revealed that her son was in fact her nephew. In 2012, the character of Edna was used to explore the issue of pride amidst financial difficulties. During the story, Edna faces having to pay for Tootsie's medical bills, a burglary at her home, debts and eventually, a collapse.
Stelfox died in December 2015 after portraying Edna for fifteen years. The character's final scenes were broadcast prior to her death, in the episode first broadcast on 26 October, and she was killed off-screen in May 2016. The character and Stelfox's performances were widely praised by viewers and critics alike. Simon Farquhar of The Independent opined that Stelfox had established Edna as "one of the best loved characters on the programme in years".
Stelfox joined the cast of Emmerdale as Edna in 2000. Having established a career working in supporting roles, due to her dislike of committing to long-term roles, Stelfox did not intend to stay with the soap for a long time. However, she found herself enjoying the role and her surroundings, so she stayed, as the actress explained to a reporter from the TV Times in 2013. Stelfox is contracted for a year, which was renewed annually until her death. The actress never expected a new contract and was "always delighted" when she received a new one. She also stated that she had no plans to retire unless she could not remember her lines.
The character made her first appearance in the episode first broadcast on 25 May 2000. Upon her arrival, Edna created "controversy" by campaigning to end a new relationship between local vicar Ashley Thomas and pub landlady Bernice Blackstock. Edna disapproved of the relationship because she viewed Bernice as a "scarlet woman", however she did not manage to prevent them marrying.
Edna is a proud, moralistic, independent, private resident of Emmerdale. Although some people perceive her to be judgemental and disapproving of other peoples conduct those who take the time and make the effort to get to know her soon realise her softer side.
— An excerpt from Edna's profile on the official Emmerdale website.
Edna is characterised as a proud and independent woman who often makes judgements of others based on their behaviour. While many will consider her to be judgemental, she has a more caring side which can be unearthed. She will often berate her neighbours for their "hedonistic lifestyles". Edna is extremely loyal and wants to be relied on, disliking having to ask for assistance. Actor Freddie Jones (Sandy Thomas) pointed out that Edna has an "acid tongue" and "never let anybody get away with anything". Scriptwriter Bill Lyons liked writing for the character due to her "tactless" nature and how she would "say all the things you wanted to put into an episode". One of the character's more notable traits is her religious beliefs; she is a devout Christian and spends time helping at the local church. Author Tom Parfitt called Edna the "religious pillar of the community". He added that she is "a fierce, God-fearing little lady, unafraid to take anyone on and put them in their place".
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Edna Birch
Edna Birch is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Emmerdale, played by Shirley Stelfox. She made her first appearance during the episode first broadcast on 25 May 2000. Edna is characterised as a proud and independent Christian woman who often judges her neighbours' lifestyles. She is recognisable amongst the public for her pudding-basin hat and dog – firstly, Batley the Yorkshire Terrier, followed by Papillon Tootsie. Many of her stories have involved her dogs, including being run over saving Tootsie and the death of Batley, which won an award. The programme established friendships for Edna with many characters of a similar age, and in later years, she was paired with Sandy Thomas (Freddie Jones), which generated many comedic scenes.
Edna's family were also seen at various points. The introduction of her estranged sister, Lily Butterfield (Anne Charleston), created a new story for Edna as it was revealed that her son was in fact her nephew. In 2012, the character of Edna was used to explore the issue of pride amidst financial difficulties. During the story, Edna faces having to pay for Tootsie's medical bills, a burglary at her home, debts and eventually, a collapse.
Stelfox died in December 2015 after portraying Edna for fifteen years. The character's final scenes were broadcast prior to her death, in the episode first broadcast on 26 October, and she was killed off-screen in May 2016. The character and Stelfox's performances were widely praised by viewers and critics alike. Simon Farquhar of The Independent opined that Stelfox had established Edna as "one of the best loved characters on the programme in years".
Stelfox joined the cast of Emmerdale as Edna in 2000. Having established a career working in supporting roles, due to her dislike of committing to long-term roles, Stelfox did not intend to stay with the soap for a long time. However, she found herself enjoying the role and her surroundings, so she stayed, as the actress explained to a reporter from the TV Times in 2013. Stelfox is contracted for a year, which was renewed annually until her death. The actress never expected a new contract and was "always delighted" when she received a new one. She also stated that she had no plans to retire unless she could not remember her lines.
The character made her first appearance in the episode first broadcast on 25 May 2000. Upon her arrival, Edna created "controversy" by campaigning to end a new relationship between local vicar Ashley Thomas and pub landlady Bernice Blackstock. Edna disapproved of the relationship because she viewed Bernice as a "scarlet woman", however she did not manage to prevent them marrying.
Edna is a proud, moralistic, independent, private resident of Emmerdale. Although some people perceive her to be judgemental and disapproving of other peoples conduct those who take the time and make the effort to get to know her soon realise her softer side.
— An excerpt from Edna's profile on the official Emmerdale website.
Edna is characterised as a proud and independent woman who often makes judgements of others based on their behaviour. While many will consider her to be judgemental, she has a more caring side which can be unearthed. She will often berate her neighbours for their "hedonistic lifestyles". Edna is extremely loyal and wants to be relied on, disliking having to ask for assistance. Actor Freddie Jones (Sandy Thomas) pointed out that Edna has an "acid tongue" and "never let anybody get away with anything". Scriptwriter Bill Lyons liked writing for the character due to her "tactless" nature and how she would "say all the things you wanted to put into an episode". One of the character's more notable traits is her religious beliefs; she is a devout Christian and spends time helping at the local church. Author Tom Parfitt called Edna the "religious pillar of the community". He added that she is "a fierce, God-fearing little lady, unafraid to take anyone on and put them in their place".