Bye bye Betty: Paula Tilbrook to leave the Dales
Paula Tilbrook will leave Emmerdale this year after playing Betty Eagleton for 21 years.
After 21 years playing iconic Village gossip Betty Eagleton, Paula Tilbrook will be retiring from Emmerdale.
Betty first appeared in April 1994 for just three episodes when she ordered a sweet sherry in the Woolpack. Being an old friend of Seth Armstrong, she soon put down roots in the Village and even fell prey to wheeler dealer Eric Pollard. Seth proposed at the end of her first year but the marriage never happened as they postponed it indefinitely - remaining a couple until Seth's passing on a trip home from Australia.
As she finished filming at the Emmerdale village for the last time, 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.
Commenting on Paula's decision to retire, Kate Oates, Series Producer said: "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."
Paula's last scenes will be aired mid May, so stay tuned to see unforgettable Betty say farewell to the Village forever.
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