only bit of fresh air . . . .

While the many vulnerable,those lacking 
sophistication,poor
well they will just have to suck 
it up while it gets worse.

Emmerdale Star Sheila Mercier, Aka Annie Sugden, Dies Aged 100

 “Annie Sugden embodied all the virtues of Yorkshire …. she was hard working, resilient, determined, down to earth and didn’t suffer fools gladly.

“Sheila had many of those qualities too, putting the needs of the programme above her own and always delivering a great performance come rain or shine. She will be greatly missed.”

Sheila was one of the original stars of the then-titled Emmerdale Farm, and appeared in the very first episode in 1972. 

After she left the soap in 1994, she continued to make guest appearances as the Yorkshire matriarch, most recently in 2009 when she attended the funeral of son Jack, after actor Clive Hornby’s real-life death. 

Annie is still mentioned on screen, with granddaughter Victoria even going to visit her in Spain during episodes aired last month.