{"id":16504,"date":"2024-12-21T06:00:02","date_gmt":"2024-12-21T06:00:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/emmerdale-insider.com\/?p=16504"},"modified":"2024-12-17T21:55:42","modified_gmt":"2024-12-17T21:55:42","slug":"11-emmerdale-golden-oldies-powerhouse-matriarchs-randy-old-fellas-gambling-addict-gran","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/characters\/11-emmerdale-golden-oldies-powerhouse-matriarchs-randy-old-fellas-gambling-addict-gran\/","title":{"rendered":"11 Emmerdale golden oldies &#8211; powerhouse matriarchs, randy old fellas and a gambling addict gran"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Emmerdale have always been brilliant at shining a light on their more mature stars, better known as the golden oldies.<\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle-1st\"><\/div><\/div>\n<p>They may not offer the sex appeal and excitement of their younger generations, but they\u2019ve got a wealth of life experience. There\u2019s not much these ladies and gents haven\u2019t seen or done. Just look at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/11\/13\/whats-wrong-with-eric-pollard-emmerdale-parkinsons-battle-health-decline-fans-fear-die\/\">Eric Pollard<\/a> \u2013 he\u2019s now the soap\u2019s longest serving character, and there\u2019s never been a dull moment when he\u2019s on screen.<\/p>\n<p>To celebrate their greatness, let\u2019s take a look at 11 of Emmerdale\u2019s greatest OAP icons, both past and present\u2026<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_16616\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-16616\" style=\"width: 1500px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-16616 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/11\/shutterstock_editorial_8858811cr-e1732283150588.jpg\" alt=\"Annie Sugden was the original Emmerdale matriarch (Credit: ITV\/Shutterstock)\" width=\"1500\" height=\"908\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-16616\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Annie Sugden was the original Emmerdale matriarch (Credit: ITV\/Shutterstock)<\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:min-h-[300px]\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"ad-slot1\"><\/div><\/div>\n<h2>Emmerdale golden oldies: Annie Sugden<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/08\/08\/the-sugden-family-emmerdale-annie-jack-joe-newcomer-john\/\">Annie was the OG matriarch of Emmerdale<\/a> and one of the soap\u2019s most beloved icons. Played by the late Sheila Mercier, Annie remains the longest-serving female character in Emmerdale\u2019s 52 year history.<\/p>\n<p>Introduced in the very first episode of Emmerdale, Annie was the widow of farmer Jacob Sugden. Not much was known about Jacob, but viewers learnt he\u2019d been an alcoholic and neglectful husband, often leaving Annie to look after their farm and children.<\/p><section class=\"widget block-30 widget_block mb-4\"><div class=\"mb-3 stories-slider-container overflow-hidden w-[100%] max-sm:w-[108%] max-sm:ml-[-15px]\" data-items-visible=\"2\">\n  <h3 class=\"w-full text-center mb-5 uppercase\">article continues below<\/h3>  <div class=\"grid md:grid-cols-5 grid-cols-6\">\n          <a class=\"!no-underline col-span-4 mr-5 cursor-pointer mb-3 hover:!bg-[var(--color-v-white)] hover:!text-[var(--color-v-primary)] block [-webkit-tap-highlight-color:transparent] uppercase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/category\/spoilers\/\">\n        <h2 class=\"font-[var(--font-v-font)] text-[var(--color-v-primary)] font-bold !text-2xl flex flex-row place-content-baseline !mb-0 max-sm:ml-[10px]\">\n          <span class=\"flex-initial mr-2 transition-all duration-300 hover:-translate-y-1 ease-in-out !leading-[var(--title-line-height)]\">Read all the latest spoilers<\/span>\n          <span class=\"mt-auto mb-2 self-baseline h-1 bg-[var(--color-v-primary)] block w-[100%] flex-1\"><\/span>\n        <\/h2>\n      <\/a>\n    \n\n\n\n\n    \n    <div class=\"rounded-tl-xl md:rounded-tr-xl bg-[var(--color-v-footer)] flex flex-row gap-4 md:col-span-1 col-span-2 justify-center pt-2\">\n      <button class=\"prev-btn h-8 w-8 rounded-full bg-[var(--color-v-white)] hover:bg-[var(--color-v-primary)] hover:text-[var(--color-v-white)] items-center justify-center text-sm transition delay-50 duration-100 cursor-pointer\" href=\"#\" alt=\"right\">\n        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"w-5 h-5 justify-self-center inline\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"3\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M15 19l-7-7 7-7\"><\/path><\/svg>\n      <\/button>\n      <button class=\"next-btn h-8 w-8 rounded-full bg-[var(--color-v-white)] hover:bg-[var(--color-v-primary)] hover:text-[var(--color-v-white)] font-bold items-center justify-center transition delay-50 duration-100 cursor-pointer \" href=\"#\" alt=\"left\">\n        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"w-5 h-5 justify-self-center inline\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"3\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M9 5l7 7-7 7\"><\/path><\/svg>\n      <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n  \n  \n  <div class=\"px-[10px] bg-[var(--color-v-footer)] rounded-none md:rounded-l-xl md:rounded-br-xl max-sm:pb-3\">\n    <div class=\"stories-slider-viewport group overflow-x-auto relative scroll-smooth\">\n      \n      <div class=\"invisible md:block slide\">\n        <img class=\"h-[250px]\" src=\"https:\/\/placehold.co\/1x250\" alt=\"placeholder\">\n      <\/div>\n      \n      <div class=\"stories-slider-track top-[10px] max-sm:h-[233px] absolute flex flex-row flex-nowrap transition-all duration-300 ease-in-out\">\n                              <div class=\"story-item flex-none slide\">\n              <div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:mpu-container dbxgas:hidden dbxgas:md:block dbxgas:mb-0!\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle-desktop\"><\/div><\/div>            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\" md:ml-3  w-[200px] max-sm:w-[180px] story-item flex-shrink-0\">\n            <a class=\"!no-underline relative h-[100%] block !text-[var(--color-v-text-gray)] hover:!text-[var(--color-v-primary)] transition delay-150 duration-150 ease-in-out\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/spoilers\/moira-struggles-cope-vanessa-realisation-over-dr-todd\/\">\n              <div class=\"relative\">\n                <img class=\"rounded-xl !my-0 md:w-[200px] md:h-[133px] max-sm:w-[180px] max-sm:h-[120px] object-cover mb-3\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Fan-theory-Split-40.jpg\" alt=\"Moira struggles to cope and Vanessa has a realisation over Dr Todd\">\n                                                   <span class=\"!text-[var(--color-v-white)] text-xs rounded-xl px-2 py-1 absolute bg-[var(--color-v-primary)] bottom-3 left-3\"> Fri, May 8<\/span>                <\/div>\n              <h4 class=\"!font-semibold !text-sm md:!text-base !leading-[var(--title-line-height)] mt-2 max-sm:line-clamp-5 line-clamp-4 text-base font-semibold\">Moira struggles to cope and Vanessa has a realisation over Dr Todd<\/h4>\n              <span class=\"text-xs text-[var(--color-v-primary-dark)] align-baseline absolute bottom-2\">4 hours ago<\/span>\n            <\/a>\n          <\/div>\n                            <div class=\" ml-3  w-[200px] max-sm:w-[180px] story-item flex-shrink-0\">\n            <a class=\"!no-underline relative h-[100%] block !text-[var(--color-v-text-gray)] hover:!text-[var(--color-v-primary)] transition delay-150 duration-150 ease-in-out\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/spoilers\/dr-todd-strikes-again-leaving-jacob-distraught\/\">\n              <div class=\"relative\">\n                <img class=\"rounded-xl !my-0 md:w-[200px] md:h-[133px] max-sm:w-[180px] max-sm:h-[120px] object-cover mb-3\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DATE-split-2026-05-06T121823.719.jpg\" alt=\"Dr Todd strikes again leaving Jacob distraught\">\n                                                   <span class=\"!text-[var(--color-v-white)] text-xs rounded-xl px-2 py-1 absolute bg-[var(--color-v-primary)] bottom-3 left-3\"> Thu, May 7<\/span>                <\/div>\n              <h4 class=\"!font-semibold !text-sm md:!text-base !leading-[var(--title-line-height)] mt-2 max-sm:line-clamp-5 line-clamp-4 text-base font-semibold\">Dr Todd strikes again leaving Jacob distraught<\/h4>\n              <span class=\"text-xs text-[var(--color-v-primary-dark)] align-baseline absolute bottom-2\">1 day ago<\/span>\n            <\/a>\n          <\/div>\n                            <div class=\" ml-3  w-[200px] max-sm:w-[180px] story-item flex-shrink-0\">\n            <a class=\"!no-underline relative h-[100%] block !text-[var(--color-v-text-gray)] hover:!text-[var(--color-v-primary)] transition delay-150 duration-150 ease-in-out\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/spoilers\/jacob-trapped-dr-todd-mandy-makes-big-confession\/\">\n              <div class=\"relative\">\n                <img class=\"rounded-xl !my-0 md:w-[200px] md:h-[133px] max-sm:w-[180px] max-sm:h-[120px] object-cover mb-3\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DATE-split-2026-05-05T124904.081.jpg\" alt=\"Jacob trapped by Dr Todd and Mandy makes a big confession\">\n                                                   <span class=\"!text-[var(--color-v-white)] text-xs rounded-xl px-2 py-1 absolute bg-[var(--color-v-primary)] bottom-3 left-3\"> Wed, May 6<\/span>                <\/div>\n              <h4 class=\"!font-semibold !text-sm md:!text-base !leading-[var(--title-line-height)] mt-2 max-sm:line-clamp-5 line-clamp-4 text-base font-semibold\">Jacob trapped by Dr Todd and Mandy makes a big confession<\/h4>\n              <span class=\"text-xs text-[var(--color-v-primary-dark)] align-baseline absolute bottom-2\">2 days ago<\/span>\n            <\/a>\n          <\/div>\n                            <div class=\" ml-3  w-[200px] max-sm:w-[180px] story-item flex-shrink-0\">\n            <a class=\"!no-underline relative h-[100%] block !text-[var(--color-v-text-gray)] hover:!text-[var(--color-v-primary)] transition delay-150 duration-150 ease-in-out\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/spoilers\/cain-sets-out-hammer-revenge-robert-todd-wants-10k-from-charity\/\">\n              <div class=\"relative\">\n                <img class=\"rounded-xl !my-0 md:w-[200px] md:h-[133px] max-sm:w-[180px] max-sm:h-[120px] object-cover mb-3\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/05\/News-split-2026-04-30T115615.768.jpg\" alt=\"Cain sets out with a hammer for revenge on Robert and Todd wants \u00a310k from Charity\">\n                                                   <span class=\"!text-[var(--color-v-white)] text-xs rounded-xl px-2 py-1 absolute bg-[var(--color-v-primary)] bottom-3 left-3\">May 11 - 15<\/span>                <\/div>\n              <h4 class=\"!font-semibold !text-sm md:!text-base !leading-[var(--title-line-height)] mt-2 max-sm:line-clamp-5 line-clamp-4 text-base font-semibold\">Cain sets out with a hammer for revenge on Robert and Todd wants \u00a310k from Charity<\/h4>\n              <span class=\"text-xs text-[var(--color-v-primary-dark)] align-baseline absolute bottom-2\">3 days ago<\/span>\n            <\/a>\n          <\/div>\n                            <div class=\" ml-3  w-[200px] max-sm:w-[180px] story-item flex-shrink-0\">\n            <a class=\"!no-underline relative h-[100%] block !text-[var(--color-v-text-gray)] hover:!text-[var(--color-v-primary)] transition delay-150 duration-150 ease-in-out\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/spoilers\/bear-could-blow-everything-as-he-takes-to-the-stand\/\">\n              <div class=\"relative\">\n                <img class=\"rounded-xl !my-0 md:w-[200px] md:h-[133px] max-sm:w-[180px] max-sm:h-[120px] object-cover mb-3\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DATE-standard-2026-05-01T163329.213.jpg\" alt=\"Bear could blow everything as he takes to the stand\">\n                                                   <span class=\"!text-[var(--color-v-white)] text-xs rounded-xl px-2 py-1 absolute bg-[var(--color-v-primary)] bottom-3 left-3\"> Tue, May 5<\/span>                <\/div>\n              <h4 class=\"!font-semibold !text-sm md:!text-base !leading-[var(--title-line-height)] mt-2 max-sm:line-clamp-5 line-clamp-4 text-base font-semibold\">Bear could blow everything as he takes to the stand<\/h4>\n              <span class=\"text-xs text-[var(--color-v-primary-dark)] align-baseline absolute bottom-2\">3 days ago<\/span>\n            <\/a>\n          <\/div>\n                            <div class=\" ml-3  w-[200px] max-sm:w-[180px] story-item flex-shrink-0\">\n            <a class=\"!no-underline relative h-[100%] block !text-[var(--color-v-text-gray)] hover:!text-[var(--color-v-primary)] transition delay-150 duration-150 ease-in-out\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/spoilers\/paddy-bear-dylan-face-jury-on-trial\/\">\n              <div class=\"relative\">\n                <img class=\"rounded-xl !my-0 md:w-[200px] md:h-[133px] max-sm:w-[180px] max-sm:h-[120px] object-cover mb-3\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Emm-Banners-ExclusiveOp-Templates-11.jpg\" alt=\"Paddy, Bear and Dylan face the jury as they go on trial\">\n                                                   <span class=\"!text-[var(--color-v-white)] text-xs rounded-xl px-2 py-1 absolute bg-[var(--color-v-primary)] bottom-3 left-3\"> Mon, May 4<\/span>                <\/div>\n              <h4 class=\"!font-semibold !text-sm md:!text-base !leading-[var(--title-line-height)] mt-2 max-sm:line-clamp-5 line-clamp-4 text-base font-semibold\">Paddy, Bear and Dylan face the jury as they go on trial<\/h4>\n              <span class=\"text-xs text-[var(--color-v-primary-dark)] align-baseline absolute bottom-2\">6 days ago<\/span>\n            <\/a>\n          <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"story-item mx-auto flex-none md:hidden sm:block w-[300px]\">\n    <div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden dbxgas:mb-0!\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle-mpu\"><\/div><\/div>    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p>Annie was a mum of three to sons Jack and Joe, and daughter Peggy. She doted on her brood, but tragically, all of her children died before she did.<\/p>\n<p>There were other traumas in Annie\u2019s life. She had to contend with constant financial woes, and she also battled an addiction to painkillers. In 1993, she was seriously injured when a plane hit the village, which was known back then as Beckindale. Annie was left in a coma for three months, and woke up to discover her second husband, Leonard Kempinski had been killed in the tragedy.<\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div><div data-ad-slot=\"ad-slot2\"><\/div>\n<p>After an incredible 32 years, Annie decided to swap the Yorkshire Dales for a new life in sunny Spain. A year after her sad departure it was revealed Annie had married for a third time, to former Woolpack landlord Amos Brearly. More on him later.<\/p><div class=\"my-5 boxout\"><div><h2 class=\"!text-2xl p-3 !my-0 bg-[var(--color-v-primary)]\">Don't miss a single story! Add us as a Preferred Source in Google for all your Emmerdale news<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"p-3 bg-[var(--color-v-primary)]\/50 text-base\">It's important to us that you never miss our articles when searching for stories! We have all the latest TV news &amp; schedules to share with our community of loyal readers.\r\n\r\nClick\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q=tvguide.co.uk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q%3Dtvguide.co.uk&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1771925084739000&amp;usg=AOvVaw26YBpjtwUOaDOV8IYgQAmD\" data-track=\"preferred-source\" data-placement=\"article_body\"><b>here<\/b><\/a>\u00a0and tick\u00a0<strong><a href=\"http:\/\/tvguide.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=http:\/\/tvguide.co.uk\/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1771925084739000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3Uu9xte1Ig7bDiZNlkPjpu\">TVGuide.co.uk<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0to ensure you see stories from us first in Google Search.<\/div><\/div>\n<p>Over the next decade and a half fans were treated to the occasional visit from Annie. She was last seen on screen in February 2009 when she returned to lay her eldest, Jack to rest.<\/p>\n<p>Annie lived out the rest of her years in Spain, and passed away in August 2020 at the ripe old age of 100.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_16609\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-16609\" style=\"width: 1020px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-16609\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/11\/shutterstock_editorial_674317ju-1-e1732283102716.jpg\" alt=\"Seth Armstrong in Emmerdale\" width=\"1020\" height=\"1500\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-16609\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Seth was one of Emmerdale\u2019s all time greats (Credit: ITV\/Shutterstock)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Seth Armstrong<\/h2>\n<p>Fans always had a soft spot for<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/08\/01\/seth-armstron-emmerdale-home-farm-gamekeeper-love-betty-friend-kim-tate\/\"> Seth.<\/a> The character, whose real name was Archibald Seth, was played by actor Stan Richards from 1978 to 2004.<\/p>\n<p>A loveable rogue, Seth was always in and out of trouble. His hobby was poaching, and after years of illegally shooting birds on Home Farm land he was made gamekeeper there in 1980. In later years he formed an unlikely friendship with lady of the manor, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/11\/10\/longest-serving-emmerdale-characters-all-time-eric-pollard-kim-tate-charity-dingle\/\">Kim Tate<\/a>.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_3073\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3073\">Seth was widowed in 1993 when his wife Meg passed away, and months later his house was destroyed in the plane crash. But his fortunes changed in 1994 when Seth was reunited with his teenage sweetheart, Betty. The couple fell back in love, but Seth\u2019s appetite for mischief often got him in trouble with his other half.<\/figure><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<p>Who remembers when the cheeky chap set up a webcam, which broadcast Betty\u2019s daily movements to everyone on the net, just to get a free breakfast? Betty chucked Seth when she found out what he\u2019d done, but he found a way to win her back.<\/p>\n<p>Seth said farewell to the village in 2003 when he moved away to Australia. He passed away off-screen, following Stan Richards death from emphysema in February 2005.<\/p>\n<p>Carrying out his final wishes, Seth\u2019s body was illegally buried in the woods, with only his nearest and dearest knowing the truth.<\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<figure style=\"width: 1021px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/11\/shutterstock_editorial_683200q-e1732283110972.jpg\" alt=\"Betty was a force of nature (Credit: ITV\/Shutterstock)\" width=\"1021\" height=\"1500\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Betty was a force of nature (Credit: ITV\/Shutterstock)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Betty Eagleton<\/h2>\n<p>Busybody Betty always knew what everyone in the village was up to. She loved nothing better than a good old gossip over a glass of her favourite tipple, sherry. But despite her nosiness, Betty was an adored member of the community and a friend to all.<\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<p>She arrived back in 1994, and embarked on a<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/11\/16\/emmerdale-couples-robron-coira-famous-bromance\/\"> romance with her former love Seth<\/a>. Both had been widowed and made plans of their own to marry, but decided at the last minute they were too old to be exchanging vows.<\/p>\n<p>Betty definitely wore the trousers in their relationship. She was the first to call Seth out if he\u2019d been up to no good (which was often!). There were plenty of comedy moments between the couple, which actress Paula Tilbrok played to perfection. Seth might have been useless at times, but we\u2019ll always remember how he stepped in to protect Betty when her nasty ex Reggie Wilkie tried to cause trouble.<\/p>\n<p>His death in 2005 left Betty heartbroken, but she found the courage to carry on.<\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<p>In 2015, Paula Tilbrook announced she was retiring after 21 years of playing Betty. The actress described her decision to leave Emmerdale as \u2018both the saddest and happiest day of my life\u2019. The character moved to Australia with her new beau, Reuben Archibald, who hilariously was a dead ringer for her beloved Seth.<\/p>\n<p>Betty\u2019s last on-screen appearance was on Christmas Day 2015. Four years later, Paula passed away aged 89.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 1500px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/11\/shutterstock_editorial_7889987am-e1732283136676.jpg\" alt=\"Amos ran the Woolpack for 43 years (Credit: ITV\/Shutterstock)\" width=\"1500\" height=\"2212\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Amos ran the Woolpack for 43 years (Credit: ITV\/Shutterstock)<\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<h2>Emmerdale golden oldies: Amos Brearly<\/h2>\n<p>Emmerdale original Amos Brearly was the pipe-smoking landlord of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/11\/16\/landlords-landladies-woolpack-emmerdale-amos-brearly-chas-charity-dingle-diane-sugden\/\">The Woolpack<\/a> and famed for his bushy sideburns.<\/p>\n<p>His name had been above the village boozer since 1948, which means he\u2019d already been landlord for 24 years when viewers were first introduced to him. Amos was a terrible gossip \u2013 you couldn\u2019t tell him a secret unless you wanted half of the village to know. He could also be rather moody and the sight of blood would make him faint.<\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<p>His greatest friend was Henry Wilks, who joined forces with him in 1973 to run the Woolie together. Although they frequently clashed, Amos and Henry created an iconic partnership which they managed to keep going for 19 years.<\/p>\n<p>Amos had his brushes with death \u2013 he was the victim of an armed robbery and survived a stroke, which ended his days as landlord.<\/p>\n<p>Amos only had eyes for one woman in Emmerdale \u2013 Annie Sugden. He proposed to her in 1972, but she turned him down. They remained friends, and when Amos asked Annie to marry him again in 1995, she accepted.<\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<p>He left Emmerdale that year and went to live with Annie in Spain. The couple went on to marry, but what became of Amos, who knows!<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1557\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1557\" style=\"width: 1200px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1557\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/07\/eric_pollard.jpg\" alt=\"Eric Pollard smiles in Emmerdale publicity shot\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/07\/eric_pollard.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/07\/eric_pollard-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/07\/eric_pollard-120x150.jpg 120w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/07\/eric_pollard-768x960.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1557\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Indomitable Eric is Emmerdale\u2019s longest-serving character (Credit: ITV)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Eric Pollard<\/h2>\n<p>There\u2019s only one Eric Pollard. And where would Emmerdale be without him?<\/p>\n<p>A permanent fixture on our screens since 1986, Eric has been entertaining audiences for 38 years. But did you know he was only meant to stay for 12 episodes? Actor Chris Chittell\u2019s portrayal of scheming Pollard was such a hit with viewers it was decided to keep him on full time. And we\u2019re grateful they did.<\/p>\n<p>Eric has certainly lived a colourful life. He\u2019s been engaged in several business (mainly illegal) ventures, made plenty of enemies, and had lots of brides.<\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<p>To date, there have been five Mrs Pollards. These include his second wife Elizabeth Jefferies, who perished in the plane crash of 1993. Eric committed bigamy by marrying Elizabeth, as he was still wedded to his first missus, Eileen.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Wifey number three was Filipino student Dee de la Cruz, then Eric said I do with social climber Gloria Weaver. The true love of Eric\u2019s life was his fifth wife, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/11\/13\/love-story-val-eric-pollard-emmerdale-cheating-hiv-diagnosis-tragic-death\/\">the indomitable Valerie \u2018Val\u2019 Pollard<\/a>, who left the biggest void in his life when she died in 2015.<\/p>\n<p>Although initially characterised as a ruthless villain, Eric has mellowed over the years and shown us moments of tremendous vulnerability. Never more so than with his battle against Parkinson\u2019s disease.<\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<p>Eric was diagnosed with the incurable condition in 2023, and has struggled to accept his ailing health. But there\u2019s still life in the old boy yet! However not another wedding after Brenda recently ended their relationship following his betrayal investing all their cash.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 1500px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/11\/shutterstock_editorial_4587288a-e1732283120197.jpg\" alt=\"If looks could kill, Edna! (Credit: ITV\/Shutterstock)\" width=\"1500\" height=\"844\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">If looks could kill, Edna! (Credit: ITV\/Shutterstock)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Edna Birch<\/h2>\n<p>Edna had the sharpest tongue in the village, but underneath her stern exterior was a wise mind and kind heart. She was a friend to many, particularly Betty Eagleton, Pearl Ladderbanks and Sandy Thomas.<\/p>\n<p>She was introduced to audiences in 2000, although Edna had already lived in Emmerdale for years. Characterised as a proud and strong-willed lady, Edna could be incredibly judgey and rarely held back in voicing her opinions.<\/p>\n<p>She had two great loves in her life. First up was the church. As a devout Christian and committed member of the St Mary\u2019s congregation, Edna\u2019s faith was central to all she did. And of course, there were her adorable canine companions, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/11\/03\/11-most-iconic-pets-emmerdale-loyal-canines-crazy-cockatoo-killer-horse\/\">Batley and Tootsie<\/a>.<\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<p>Edna\u2019s backstory was explored in 2014 with the introduction of Lawrence White. It was revealed Lawrence had had a gay love affair with Edna\u2019s husband Harold. Edna had reported Lawrence to the police and he was jailed, with Edna believing he died behind bars.<\/p>\n<p>Tragically Edna\u2019s time in Emmerdale was cut short when actress Shirley Stelfox (who also played the original Rose in Keeping Up Appearances) passed away in December 2015 following a short battle with cancer. The character was killed off the following year.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 1500px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/11\/shutterstock_editorial_4587293hf-e1732283127812.jpg\" alt=\"Sandy was a real sweetheart (Credit: ITV\/Shutterstock)\" width=\"1500\" height=\"844\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sandy was a real sweetheart (Credit: ITV\/Shutterstock)<\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<h2>Emmerdale golden oldies: Sandy Thomas<\/h2>\n<p>Former Navy officer Sandy brought his own brand of eccentricity to village life and certainly livened things up at the vicarage.<\/p>\n<p>The dad of local reverend <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/08\/27\/classic-emmerdale-why-ashley-sandy-relationship-bad\/\">Ashley Thomas, Sandy and his son had a complicated past<\/a>. They had fallen out years previously after Sandy helped his wife Dorothy end her life, something which went against Ashley\u2019s Christian beliefs.<\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<p>Sandy gave us so many LOL moments, even if his family found his innuendo-laden jokes rather embarrassing.<\/p>\n<p>But it was no laughing matter when Sandy found himself on the receiving end of Ashley\u2019s temper. Ashley was in a dark place after his marriage split from Laurel and took his hurt out on Sandy. For months, viewers watched on in horror and as the defenseless pensioner was subjected to terrible physical and mental abuse. Ashley was eventually brought to justice and Sandy forgave him for what he\u2019d done.<\/p>\n<p>Sandy continued to live at Mulberry cottage after <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/10\/13\/14-most-memorable-deaths-emmerdale-murder-sinister-happenings-sudden-departures\/\">Ashley\u2019s death in 2017<\/a>. He bid us all farewell the following year, opting to join his old mate Betty down under. In 2020, news reached the village that Sandy had died peacefully in his sleep.<\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<figure style=\"width: 1200px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/11\/shutterstock_editorial_7647209ae.jpg\" alt=\"Pearl always looked glam (Credit: ITV\/Shutterstock)\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1500\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Pearl always looked glam (Credit: ITV\/Shutterstock)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Pearl Ladderbanks<\/h2>\n<p>Flirty, feisty and forthright \u2013 that was our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/11\/27\/pearl-ladderbanks-emmerdale-money-worries-gambling-habit-heartbreak\/\">Pearl<\/a>. She provided the perfect sparring partner for uptight Edna. Pearl also brought a touch of glamour to the Dales with her striking outfits and immaculate hair and make up.<\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<p>She came to the Dales in 2003 and immediately caught the eye of fellow OAP Len Reynolds. Pearl and Len became a couple and went on to marry.\u00a0 However, their relationship was put to the test when Pearl\u2019s rapist son Frank came to stay in the village. The couple were ostracised by the locals for housing an abuser, and even considered moving away.<\/p>\n<p>Wherever Pearl went trouble often followed. She got conned into investing in a get-rich-quick scheme and got into debt after borrowing money from Eric Pollard. Pearl briefly fled the village, but was found in Leeds working under the alias of Irene.<\/p>\n<p>After Len\u2019s death, Pearl faced problems at work when <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/11\/15\/vanity-fans-hopes-charity-vanessa-reunite-hint-social-media\/\">Vanessa Woodfield<\/a> tried to push her out of the vets, saying she too old to be their receptionist. But it was Paddy Kirk who gave Pearl her marching orders after discovering she\u2019d been stealing money from the surgery to fund her gambling addiction. Pearl foolishly tried to fake having Alzheimer\u2019s to excuse her behaviour, but was found out.<\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<p>In 2019, actress Meg Johnson took an extended break, with Pearl\u2019s absence explained that she\u2019d gone on a caravan holiday. The character was last seen on screen in March 2020, and in 2024 news reached the village that Pearl had passed away.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 1500px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/11\/shutterstock_editorial_12519666o-e1732283158381.jpg\" alt=\"Poor Rishi met a sad end (Credit: ITV\/Shutterstock)\" width=\"1500\" height=\"844\"><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Poor Rishi met a sad end (Credit: ITV\/Shutterstock)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Rishi Sharma<\/h2>\n<p>We always felt a little sorry for lovely Rishi, particularly with a son as nasty and manipulative as Jai.<\/p>\n<p>Big-hearted Rishi was forever trying to clean up whatever mess Jai had made \u2013 whether it was within his personal life or at work. And daughter Priya gave the poor man many sleepless nights too.<\/p>\n<p>In 2018, Rishi finally found some happiness of his own when he began dating local doctor Manpreet Sharma. Both Jai and Priya suspected Manpreet was taking their father for a ride and tried to warn him off her. But Rishi was besotted. The pair went on to marry in Las Vegas in 2019.<\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<p>When the Sharma clan were hit by a financial crisis, Rishi ended up making a deal with the devil \u2013 also known as Kim Tate. A fire broke out at the family\u2019s factory and Rishi was forced to give up his share in the business. More bad times followed when Manpreet called time on the marriage and told Rishi she no longer loved him.<\/p>\n<p>Then in 2023 came the biggest shock of all when Rishi admitted to Jai he wasn\u2019t his biological dad. It turned out Rishi\u2019s younger brother Amit was actually the real father.<\/p>\n<p>Weeks later, on the day of Jai\u2019s wedding to Laurel Thomas, Rishi was discovered dead at the bottom of the stairs of Holdgate. It was later revealed Rishi had fallen to his death while rowing with Amit.<\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<figure id=\"attachment_3464\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3464\" style=\"width: 1500px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-3464\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Featured-image-Rodney.jpg\" alt=\"Rodney in Emmerdale looks keen and ready to go (Credit: ITV)\" width=\"1500\" height=\"784\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Featured-image-Rodney.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Featured-image-Rodney-1024x535.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Featured-image-Rodney-150x78.jpg 150w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Featured-image-Rodney-768x401.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Featured-image-Rodney-1200x627.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-3464\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Rodney modelling one of his iconic bolo ties (Credit: ITV)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Emmerdale golden oldies: Rodney Blackstock<\/h2>\n<p>In his life before Emmerdale, Rodney worked on a fairground, and even tried his hand at being an author. The biggest vices in his life were women and wine. Not much has changed then.<\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<p>Rodney was introduced in 2000 as the estranged father of Bernice. He\u2019d walked out on his daughter when she was just five years old and left Diane to raise her alone. It later transpired he\u2019d had an affair with Diane\u2019s sister <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/11\/13\/love-story-val-eric-pollard-emmerdale-cheating-hiv-diagnosis-tragic-death\/\">Val Lambert<\/a>, the product of which was a son, Paul. He went on to have Nicola with his second wife Maureen.<\/p>\n<p>Rodney has always had an eye for the ladies. This randy old goat has so many notches on his bedpost we\u2019re surprised there\u2019s one left. Rodders\u2019 conquests include Louise Appleton, Steph Stokes and Kelly Windsor. He even tried his hand at being a male escort.<\/p>\n<p>His long-standing bromance with Eric Pollard has also delighted fans over the years.<\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<figure id=\"attachment_2625\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2625\" style=\"width: 1500px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2625\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/07\/13_08_emm_bear_01.jpg\" alt=\"Bear, dressed in a leopard print hairdressers gown turns up the karaoke machine in horror\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1213\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/07\/13_08_emm_bear_01.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/07\/13_08_emm_bear_01-1024x828.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/07\/13_08_emm_bear_01-150x121.jpg 150w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/07\/13_08_emm_bear_01-768x621.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/07\/13_08_emm_bear_01-1200x970.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-2625\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Bear totally pulls off that leopard gown (Credit: ITV)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Bear Wolf<\/h2>\n<p>His name might sound intimidating, but lovely Bear is a total softie.<\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<p>The former wrestler was introduced into the soap as Paddy Kirk\u2019s long-lost father. Back in the 1960s, Bear had an affair with Barbara Kirk, which resulted in her giving birth to a son, Paddy. Barbara raised Paddy to believe her husband was his real father.<\/p>\n<p>The truth was revealed in January 2019 when Paddy found a letter that Bear had written his mum around the time she fell pregnant. A DNA test confirmed Bear was Paddy\u2019s father, and the pair had an emotional reunion in Belfast.<\/p>\n<p>Shortly after Bear arrived in Emmerdale and decided to stay there to make a fresh start with his son. He originally moved into The Woolpack, but now lives in Tenant House.<\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<p>Over the past five years Bear has proved to be a rock for Paddy. He supported him through his split from Chas, helped him overcome a battle against depression, and has been a lovely grandad to little Eve. He was also an amazing friend to<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/11\/24\/11-best-cain-dingle-moments-emmerdale-brushes-with-death-family-feuds-lot-of-lovers\/\"> Faith Dingle<\/a> during the last weeks of his life. All Bear needs now is the love of a good woman.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Read more: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/07\/16\/paddy-kirk-emmerdale-loveable-vets-troubled-love-life-mental-health-battle\/\">The live and loves of Paddy Kirk<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"my-5 boxout\">\n<div>\n<h2 class=\"!text-2xl p-3 !my-0 bg-[var(--color-v-primary)]\">The Emmerdale Insider team\u2019s favourite golden oldie<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"p-3 bg-[var(--color-v-primary)]\/50 text-base\">\n                    The Emmerdale Insider team give their verdict on who tops their golden oldie list. From Seth Armstrong to Edna Birch, we've thought hard about our favourite OAP. Do you agree with our choices? Or is there someone else you think deserves the crown?\n<h2>Our favourite Emmerdale golden oldie<\/h2>\n<h3>Kaggie Hyland, Editor-in-Chief<\/h3>\n<p>\"It has to be <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/11\/16\/landlords-landladies-woolpack-emmerdale-amos-brearly-chas-charity-dingle-diane-sugden\/\">Mr. Henry Wilks<\/a>. I'm going back some years to when I was a little girl, but to me then his face was the pictionary definition of avuncular. That cheeky smile and those twinkly eyes: he oozed warmth. I loved the dynamic with him and Amos.\"<\/p>\n<h3>Carena Crawford, Managing Editor<\/h3>\n<p>\"My favourite golden oldie has to be good old Seth Armstrong. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/11\/16\/emmerdale-couples-robron-coira-famous-bromance\/\">His love story with Betty<\/a> holds a special place in Emmerdale history. And who can forget the original reality TV show when he put a webcam up and broadcast Betty going about her daily business in return for free breakfasts?! His off-screen death was heartbreaking and he will forever be a part of Emmerdale history.\"<\/p>\n<h2>Other golden oldie faves in Emmerdale<\/h2>\n<h3>Tamzin Meyer, Assistant Soap Editor<\/h3>\n<p>\"My favourite golden oldie just has to be Eric Pollard. He's done some dodgy things in the past but you can't help but love him. My favourite era was when he was with Val. They were a right iconic pairing. His current Parkinson's storyline is super emosh, he needs protecting at all costs!\"<\/p>\n<h3>Kerry Barrett, Freelance Writer<\/h3>\n<p>\u201cMy favourite golden oldie in Emmerdale was Edna Birch. She was prickly and unpleasant but she was fiercely loyal to the people she trusted. And <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2024\/11\/03\/11-most-iconic-pets-emmerdale-loyal-canines-crazy-cockatoo-killer-horse\/\">she really loved her dogs<\/a>! I enjoyed her friendships with Sandy Thomas, and Tom King, her relationship with her sister Lily, and the history surrounding her marriage. And - of course - her hats! A true Emmerdale icon.\"<\/p>\n<h2>A final Emmerdale golden oldie<\/h2>\n<h3>Laura Morgan, Freelance Writer<\/h3>\n<p>\"My vote has to go to the brilliant and much-missed Betty Eagleton. There will be never be another golden oldie like her in Emmerdale. Betty was a pillar of the community and brought everything to the soap. From her iconic partnership with Seth, to her friendships with the locals, young and old. She also had a mischievous side to her character, and I bet she was great fun on a night out. I would have loved to have put the world to rights over a sherry with her.\"\n                <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"YouTube video player\" src-consent=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/MTxmTDOjVvE?si=nJI803YY4ZNCCUw2\" data-consent-required=\"true\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><b>Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b><i>Visit our Facebook page<\/i><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/profile.php?id=61563250212838\">\u00a0<b><i>@emmerdaleinsider<\/i><\/b><\/a><b><i>\u00a0for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think! Or find us on Twitter<\/i><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/EmmerdaleInside\">\u00a0<b><i>@emmerdaleinside<\/i><\/b><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Emmerdale&#8217;s all-time great golden oldies<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":249734182,"featured_media":16782,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_yoast_wpseo_focuskw":"Emmerdale oldies","_yoast_wpseo_title":"11 Emmerdale golden oldies - powerhouse matriarchs, randy old fellas and a gambling addict gran!","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Emmerdale have always been brilliant at shining a light on their more mature stars, better known as the golden oldies.","_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-noindex":"","_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-nofollow":"","_yoast_wpseo_canonical":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-title":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-description":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-title":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-description":"","_yoast_wpseo_schema_page_type":"","_yoast_wpseo_schema_article_type":"","_secondary_title":"","secondary_post_title":"","dbc_origin_post_id":0,"dbc_origin_site_url":"","homepage_headline":"","excerpt":"","dbc_special_tags":"","_yoast_wpseo_focuskeywords":"","_yoast_wpseo_keywordsynonyms":"","_yoast_wpseo_primary_category":"1359","slider_placement":"","_slider_placement":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1359],"tags":[1401,1565,1640,1501,1498],"coauthors":[],"class_list":["post-16504","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-characters","tag-eric-pollard","tag-pearl-ladderbanks","tag-rishi-sharma","tag-rodney-blackstock","tag-seth-armstrong"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.4 (Yoast SEO v25.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>11 Emmerdale golden oldies - powerhouse matriarchs, randy old fellas and a gambling addict gran!<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Emmerdale have always been brilliant at shining a light on their more mature stars, better known as the golden oldies.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/characters\/11-emmerdale-golden-oldies-powerhouse-matriarchs-randy-old-fellas-gambling-addict-gran\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"11 Emmerdale golden oldies - powerhouse matriarchs, randy old fellas and a gambling addict gran\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Emmerdale have always been brilliant at shining a light on their more mature stars, better known as the golden oldies.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/characters\/11-emmerdale-golden-oldies-powerhouse-matriarchs-randy-old-fellas-gambling-addict-gran\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Emmerdale Insider for spoilers, breaking news, first-look pictures, previews and fan theories\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/profile.php?id=61563250212838\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-12-21T06:00:02+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/11\/ED-spoilers-split-1.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1980\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1080\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Laura Morgan\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@EmmerdaleInside\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@EmmerdaleInside\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Laura Morgan\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"15 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"NewsArticle\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/characters\/11-emmerdale-golden-oldies-powerhouse-matriarchs-randy-old-fellas-gambling-addict-gran\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/characters\/11-emmerdale-golden-oldies-powerhouse-matriarchs-randy-old-fellas-gambling-addict-gran\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Laura Morgan\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/#\/schema\/person\/06b7c93ccfbb7becbf125f3bc499a81a\"},\"headline\":\"11 Emmerdale golden oldies &#8211; 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