Emmerdale, Coronation Street and Brookside actor Paula Tilbrook has died at 89

Paula Tilbrook, the Emmerdale actress who played Betty Eagleton for 21 years, has died at the age of 89.

Tilbrook died of natural causes in December, though her passing was only made public on The Stage website on Wednesday.

"The family of Paula Tilbrook are sad to confirm the peaceful passing of their beloved Paula," a statement said.

"She died of natural causes a few months ago at home with her loved ones beside her."

Who did Paula Tilbrook play on Emmerdale?

Tilbrook joined the long-running ITV soap in 1994, and would remain a mainstay of its cast until 2015.

Betty Eagleton was a favourite among Emmerdale fans, known for her incessant gossiping, often accompanied by a generously poured glass of sherry.