Emmerdale legend Paula Tilbrook is hanging up her hat as Betty Eagleton.
According to the official ITV website, the actress is retiring after 21 years on the soap.
While her final scenes have already been filmed, the details of her exit storyline (which will air next month) are being kept under wraps.
Paula has played this character for over 20 years.
Speaking about her last day on set, Paula said: “Today is both the saddest and the happiest day of my life.
“Happy because I’ve got everyone here with me, but the sad part is I’m leaving. But there is a great atmosphere and it is nice to go out on a high.”
Betty Eagleton and Seth Armstrong in Emmerdale.
Series producer Kate Oates added: “It’s impossible to overstate how much everyone at Emmerdale will miss Paula. She’s created a British television icon: someone who has lit up our screens and touched our hearts.
“Off screen, she is an integral part of the Emmerdale family: an inspiration to those she works with, as well as a fabulous raconteur and hilarious storyteller.
“We are sad to lose her from the programme, but wish her the happy retirement she so deserves.”
