Edna Birch

Edna is a proud, moralistic, independent, private resident of Emmerdale. Although some people perceive her to be judgemental and disapproving of other peoples conduct those who take the time and make the effort to get to know her soon realise her softer side.

Jimmy King relies on her fierce loyalty and despite being the polar opposite in personalities, her new lodger Sandy Thomas enjoys her thoughtfulness and understated need to be useful to people. Through all her recent troubles there has been one person, or thing that Edna can rely upon and that is her beloved Pappillion, Tootsie.

Keywords to describe character: Proud, moralistic, Christian.

Domestic Set: Woodbine Cottage

Work Set: Reluctantly retired.

Relationships in show: Sandy (lodger and friend), Alan, Betty, Pearl (friends), Jimmy (previously her employer, he treats her like family).

First appearance: May 2000

Favourite line: When Jai asks if Edna's going to take her hat off for the national anthem, she says "a lady doesn't thank you".

No of wives, children, car crashes, etc: Late husband (Harold), brought Peter up as a son but he was really her nephew.

Likes: Dogs, the Church, working.

Dislikes: Improper behaviour, drunkenness, asking for help.

If they could have one wish, what would it be? That people would conduct themselves with a bit more decorum.

And finally... Edna's grandma used to be a "Scarlet Woman"