The famous English actress Shirley Stelfox, who was best known for her role as Edna Birch in the soap opera "Emmerdale," died on Monday, December 7th after losing her battle with cancer. She was 74.

The sad news of her demise was declared by her agent the next day morning. He told that she died at her home in Yorkshire Dales, Yorkshire. Her daughter Helena was with her when she died.

Shirley Stelfox had been a part of the long running soap "Emmerdale" for the past 15 years. ''The family here at 'Emmerdale' are deeply saddened by Shirley's passing, it is hard to imagine the show without her. We offer our condolences to Shirley's family and share our feeling of loss with the millions of viewers who will miss Edna enormously,'' said the managing director of "Emmerdale" and ITV North, John Whiston, according to TV3.

Stelfox went to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) and made her debut in the film 'Hobson's Choice' at the young age of 12. She starred in number of TV shows before being part of her last show, "Emmerdale." She was noted for her role of Hyacinth Bucket's sister Rose in "Keeping Up Appearances" and had also starred in numerous other TV shows like "Coronation Street," "The Bill," "Crossroads," "Common as Muck" and many more.

Shirley Stelfox also acted in a few films and had a beaming career in theatre too. Her film credits include her role in the movie "$2 Prostitute" released in 1984, which was adapted version of George Orwell's novel that featured John Hurt and Richard Burton alongside Stelfox. She was also part of the movie "Personal Services" alongside Julie Waters. Stelfox's theatre work included "Darling," "Not Now," "Toad Of Toad Hall" and "Cavalcade at the Chichester Festival Theatre."

A number of colleagues and stars paid tribute to the deceased actress. "Thinking of the entire @emmerdale family and the loved ones of the legendary Shirley Stelfox. Taught me so much when growing up," wrote Verity Rushworth, Stelfox's co-star in "Emmerdale," on Twitter reported The Telegraph.