Emmerdale actress Meg Johnson tragically took her last breath last year, more than 20 years after she first set foot on the set of the ITV soap. The much-loved star, who portrayed Pearl Ladderbanks before leaving the show in 2020, as her character pursued a new lifestyle in a caravan, had initially been given an open-ended exit.
However, her death, which came at the age of 86 after a several years-long battle with dementia, meant that soap bosses had to seal her on-screen fate too - and now, the tragic star is set to get her second send-off. The heartbreaking storyline, which is due to end soon, will see residents of the picturesque Yorkshire Dales village learn that Pearl has died.
Viewers took to Twitter as they discovered the former veterinary receptionist's forthcoming fate. "I think it's only right that they should do this - Pearl was a part of the village for such a long time and had strong connections with Vanessa, Rhona and Paddy from when she worked at the vets' with them at the very least," one fan wrote.
"Interesting they are going to kill Pearl off when they didn't for Betty or Zoe Tate. I wonder if it's because they did get exits, whereas Pearl never did," another mused. Meanwhile, the news of a Pearl send-off has sparked fresh speculation over whether fellow Emmerdale actor Steve Halliwell's real-life death will also be honoured with a storyline.
Like Meg, Steve also died last year, but is yet to be written out of the soap. "Wonder if they’ll do same with Zak at some point?" one viewer quizzed. "Presumably, after Steve Halliwell's family have a say on the storyline, and give the go-ahead," someone else replied.
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A third quickly chimed in: "I’d imagine so, when Steve Halliwell’s family are ready. I’d like to think several Dingles no longer on the show will return to pay their respects at Zak’s eventual funeral."
Zak hadn't been present for some time, and was presumed to still be in Scotland with granddaughter Debbie.
However, now that it's certain he won't be returning, the on-screen pig farmer's funeral might well be written into the storyline.
Fans have warned that they're "not looking forward to" the day when his sad exit is formally sealed.
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As Meg died nearly six months earlier, her exit will be portrayed much sooner than Steve's.
The much-loved star received rapturous tributes after a joint statement from her family, her talent agency Jorg Betts Associates, and Emmerdale, was released at the time.
It read: “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."
