Sheila Mercier: Actress who appeared in first Emmerdale episode dies aged 100
The actress, famous for her portrayal of Annie Sugden, is described as the "beating heart" of the soap.
Saturday 14 December 2019 08:19, UK
Former Emmerdale star Sheila Mercier - who appeared in the soap's first ever show - has died at the age of 100.
ITV confirmed the veteran performer's death in a statement on Friday night.
A spokeswoman for the programme said: "It's always sad to hear of the death of an actor who played a significant part in Emmerdale's success.
"Even more so when that actor was in the very first episode and around whose family the show was built.
"Annie Sugden embodied all the virtues of Yorkshire... she was hard working, resilient, determined, down to earth and didn't suffer fools gladly.
"Sheila had many of those qualities too, putting the needs of the programme above her own and always delivering a great performance come rain or shine. She will be greatly missed."
Claire King, who played Kim Tate on the ITV show, said: "RIP Sheila Mercier, the beating heart of Emmerdale, never forgotten, so many wonderful memories, love and condolences to all her family."
Mark Charnock, who plays Marlon Dingle, said: "The great #SheilaMercier has left us. What an iconic character Annie Sugden was.
"Used to watch it with my grandparents as a boy, so to meet her in later years was a thrill.
"I was star struck and she was so lovely to me. RIP."
Mercier was one of the first to join the soap when it launched as Emmerdale Farm in 1972.
She appeared regularly until 1994, and continued to make guest appearances in the following years.
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