Edna Birch

Stelfox joined the cast of Emmerdale as Edna in 2000.[2] 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.[1][3] 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.[3] 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.[3] She also stated that she had no plans to retire unless she could not remember her lines.[3]

The character made her first appearance in the episode first broadcast on 25 May 2000.[4] Upon her arrival, Edna created "controversy" by campaigning to end a new relationship between local vicar Ashley Thomas and pub landlady Bernice Blackstock.[2] Edna disapproved of the relationship because she viewed Bernice as a "scarlet woman", however she did not manage to prevent them marrying.[5]

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.[4]

— 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.[4] She will often berate her neighbours for their "hedonistic lifestyles".[2] Edna is extremely loyal and wants to be relied on, disliking having to ask for assistance.[4] Actor Freddie Jones (Sandy Thomas) pointed out that Edna has an "acid tongue" and "never let anybody get away with anything".[6] 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".[7] 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.[4] Author Tom Parfitt called Edna the "religious pillar of the community".[8] He added that she is "a fierce, God-fearing little lady, unafraid to take anyone on and put them in their place".[7]

The show's wardrobe department dressed the character in a "pudding-basin" hat and distinctive coat, a costume which Edna became recognisable by.[5][9][7] The hat was used to conceal Stelfox's long, blonde hair.[5] Edna was only seen without the hat on two occasions in her entire tenure. Actor Tony Audenshaw deemed it "so profound".[7] The character lives at Woodbine Cottage and is the first known occupant of the house.[10] Prior to retiring, Edna worked for the King family at their haulage company.[4] Nick Miles, who portrays Jimmy King, praised Stelfox and said that she was a "great priviledge" to work with.[7]

The character's backstory states that she was married to Harold Birch until his death. They raised Edna's nephew, Peter Birch, as their own son.[4] Her marriage to Harold was explored in 2014 with the introduction of Lawrence White (John Bowe), who had an affair with Harold in the 1960s, before the decriminalisation of homosexuality. When Edna discovered the affair, she reported Laurence to the police and he was imprisoned with Edna presuming he had died.[7][11] Producer Kate Oates liked the shared backstory between Edna and Lawrence and called it "timely" in relation to public campaigns for pardons towards the men prosecuted for their sexuality.[11] Edna's grandmother was a prostitute, something which Edna finds shameful.[4][12]

Throughout her time on the soap, Edna develops friendships with characters of a similar age, including Alan Turner (Richard Thorp), Betty Eagleton, Pearl Ladderbanks and Len Reynolds.[2][4] In later years, the story team paired Edna with Sandy Thomas when he begins lodging with her, despite their contrasting personalities.[4] Jones explained that Sandy sees the importance of his friendship with Edna as he feels "comfortable" with her.[6] He added that the relationship is not "sentimental or smarmy" and they really care for each other.[6] Writers created comical scenes for the duo and gave them walkie talkies to speak to each other after Sandy moves out. Jones praised the "real imagination" behind the "brilliant concept".[13]

Dogs have always been a key aspect to Edna's character.[9] She was originally the owner of a Yorkshire Terrier called Batley, portrayed by Bracken.[14] In the book 50 Years of Emmerdale, Parfitt opined that Batley was "as much a part of Edna as her trademark hat".[15] In February 2002, producers killed off the character as part of "a heart wrenching story".[14] Parfitt noted that Edna was "rocked when her closest companion seemed unwell".[15] Batley's final scene features her placing a paw on Edna's arm as the vet administers a fatal injection. A show spokesperson praised the scenes, commenting, "it was very moving scene and she gave a stunning performance as Batley."[14] Stelfox found the scenes emotional to film and cried for many days afterwards.[3]

Writers decided to introduce a new dog for Edna in the form of Papillon Tootsie, portrayed by Sky. After initially being taken in by vet Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt) and his wife Emily Kirk (Kate McGregor), Edna decides to take Tootsie in.[16] In one story, Edna risks her own life to protect Tootsie. After noticing a car driven by Sam Dingle heading towards them, Edna interjects and is thrown into a ditch by impact.[17] Tootsie alerts villagers to Edna and she is taken to hospital, where she learns that she has a broken hip.[18] Sky died in 2008, so the role was recast to Dusty. Stelfox expressed her sadness at Sky's death and called her "a very special dog and a good friend".[16] The actress opined that Dusty has a "very different" personality.[16] In a 2012 interview, Stelfox praised Dusty, calling her "very sweet", and said that she was very good at being silent during filming.[19]

In 2001, producers introduced Edna's "rebellious" granddaughter Eve Birch, portrayed by Raine Davison, who described her character as "a strong-willed girl".[20] The character was written out in 2002 after five months.[21] Edna's family were further explored in 2006 through the introduction of her son Peter and her estranged sister Lily Butterfield, as well as a guest return for Eve.[21] In the narrative, Edna attends Eve's wedding blessing in France. Peter invites both Edna and Lily without the other's knowledge hoping that they would reconcile. The scenes were filmed in September 2006 and first broadcast over three episodes in November 2006.[21] Neighbours actress Anne Charleston was cast as Lily. Kathleen Beedles, the show's series producer, was excited about Charleston's casting and teased, "expect to see sparks fly when Edna and Lily are reunited".[21] Writers created a secret between the characters of Edna and Lily.[21] On the trip, Edna confides in her friend, Tom King, that Peter is Lily's son who she and Harold raised. Tom encourages Edna to reconcile with Lily and after they speak, Edna considers telling Peter the truth.[22]

Suzanne Shaw was cast as Edna's granddaughter, Eve Jenson, in 2010.

Following a successful guest stint, Charleston was invited to reprise the role in 2007. The actress looked forward to working with Stelfox again as well as exploring the character's backstory.[23] She remained with the serial for two years, before departing in August 2009.[24] In January 2010, it was announced that Eve would be reintroduced to the serial, with the role recast to Suzanne Shaw. The character was billed as "feisty and flirtatious".[25] Stelfox became the actress' mentor; Shaw praised her and said that she had really supported her.[26][27] Shaw explained that Eve returns to the village because she knows that Edna is "a real soft touch" and would not turn her away.[26] It soon becomes apparent that Eve left France because her marriage has ended. Shaw pointed out that Edna is displeased to discover that she lied and wants to know the reasons.[26] Edna becomes displeased when Eve does not find a job, so after hearing Moira Barton discuss needing help at her farm, Edna signs Eve up for a job there.[28]

The show's story team created a new story for Edna in 2012 when she begins to struggle financially. Stelfox felt the story was about pride, rather than financial debt, but thought that it was an important issue to raise nevertheless. She added that Edna would not accept "handouts" from friends as she has worked tirelessly all her life.[19] The actress thought that was a generational thing, but hoped viewers would watch the story and realise that their pride can kill them.[3] She wanted it to encourage people to seek help by just asking those around them.[19] The plot begins when Tootsie is diagnosed with cancer and requires chemotherapy. Stelfox noted that this is a "worrying time" for Edna, who tries to care for Tootsie.[19] Tootsie's medical care is not covered by her insurance and Edna also has to pay for repairs at her home. Stelfox explained that Edna is "too proud" to ask for help and is "not someone who would share her grief or worries".[19] The actress found filming the plot exhausting as she takes herself through the mindset of the character she is playing. She admitted that it can sometimes take days to recover from filming.[3]

Writers continued the story over the Christmas period as Edna struggles to pay for things that would normally not be an issue. One example is when Betty asks Edna to make a pudding, but she worries about the cost of the ingredients.[19] On Christmas Day, Edna returns home from church to find her home robbed. Stelfox described her character as "distraught" and "vulnerable" after finding the burglary.[19] Whilst local vicar Jude Watson (Andy Wear) helps Edna in the aftermath, Ashley notices that something deeper is wrong with Edna. Stelfox pointed out that Ashley recognises Edna's pride as it is something that prevented him asking for help too.[19] Edna nearly confides in Ashley, but then closes off again. Stelfox thought that Edna feels "hungry, lonely and cold" because she has "[shut] everyone out".[19] The actress did not expect Edna to be able to continue with such an attitude, but opined that Ashley or a local charity could be good options to reach out to.[19]

Edna's troubles worsen at the beginning of 2013. On top of pre-existing bills, she has to continue to pay for Tootsie's treatment and repay her credit card. Additionally, she has to buy food for both her and Tootsie in order to keep her well. Stelfox described the start to the new year as "fairly grimly" for her character,[19] and said that "This situation has been a nightmare for Edna".[29] As part of her financial issues, Edna resorts to selling her father's medals.[30] The story concludes when Edna collapses. Stelfox told Daniel Kilkelly from Digital Spy that Edna becomes unwell, but cannot recognise it as "she feels she's tough enough".[29] Neighbours grow concerned for Edna, but she does not realise. When Edna collapses, Jimmy spots her and calls an ambulance. He then invites her to live with him and his wife Nicola. Stelfox explained that Edna finds the situation embarrassing and "very uncomfortable", but accepts the help because she has no other option.[29] Ashley also tries to help Edna, but she is reluctant to accept his support. Stelfox hoped that would change as their relationship has become strained.[29]

Stelfox died on 7 December 2015 aged 74 following a short battle with cancer. At the time of her death, she had appeared in the soap for fifteen years.[9] The character's final scenes aired prior to her death.[13] John Whiston, the executive producer at ITV, led a tribute to the actress and stated, "it is hard to imagine Emmerdale without her".[9] He added that he expects that millions will "miss Edna enormously".[9] Jones expressed his sadness at Stelfox's death and told Alison Gardner of What to Watch that he would miss the "lovely working relationship" they shared.[6] Middleton paid tribute to Stelfox when Emmerdale won the British Soap Award for Best British Soap at the 2016 ceremony, the first time they have won the award. He stated that "her heart would have burst with pride" to see the show win.[31]

Plans to kill the character off off-screen were announced in April 2016.[13] Scriptwriter Bill Lyons found it difficult to write about Edna's death, describing it as an "awful" thing to do.[7] Ashley receives a phone call informing him of Edna's death and has to share the news with the rest of the village. Writers explored the impact of Edna's death on her friends. Prior to her death, Edna decided that Ashley should lead her funeral service, which he struggles with as he is experiencing issues with his faith.[13] The character's death has a particular impact on Sandy, who is annoyed that he was not informed about Edna's ill health.[13] Jones compared losing Edna to "a cross between losing a friend and a mother".[6] He added that Sandy feels "heartbroken, but angry" about Edna's death and directs his anger at Ashley because he knew that Edna was unwell.[6] Sandy and Ashley have a big argument in what Jones called "a heavy scene".[13] As part of Edna's death, the walkie-talkies were revisited; Sandy speaks to Edna and tells her that she was not meant to die before him. Jones found the scenes emotional and opined that it managed not to be "mawkish or overly sentimental".[13] The actor created an extra bit in the scene where he says "over", throws the walkie-talkie over his shoulder, before adding "and out". He felt proud of the addition.[13]