Soap icon Elizabeth Kelly has died, aged 104
14:22, 04 Feb 2026Updated 14:25, 04 Feb 2026
Elizabeth Kelly (far right), who starred in EastEnders and Coronation Street, has died(Image: BBC)
Actress Elizabeth Kelly has died at the age of 104, it has been announced. The soap icon – who appeared in the likes of EastEnders and Coronation Street – passed away on Christmas Day 2025.
St. Peter’s Father Eddie Gubbins has told The Sun newspaper Kelly had been living at different care homes for the past few years, and he often visited her to give holy communion as she was “too frail” to attend the church.
He explained to the publication: “She was a very strong lady and had a beautiful voice.” While no official cause of death has been confirmed at the time of writing, Gubbins thinks Kelly died of “old age”.
He added: “She had a very peaceful death in the end. She was a beautiful lady and very gracious.” Gubbins last saw Kelly just days before she passed away. He noted: “She was too frail for church, so we came to her in her care home … that would have been early December.”
Kelly, whose funeral is due to be held privately at St. Peter’s Church, Scarborough, this month, is best known for portraying Nellie Ellis – the aunt of Pauline Fowler – in EastEnders from 1993 to 2000. The actress appeared in 138 episodes of the BBC soap, and could often be seen arguing with Pauline’s (Wendy Richard) husband Arthur Fowler (Bill Treacher).
Elizabeth Kelly played Nellie Ellis in EastEnders(Image: BBC)
Born in Newcastle-upon-Tyne in 1921, Kelly made her TV debut in 1971 at the age of 50 in Coronation Street. In the ITV soap, the actress portrayed the tight-fisted Edie Burgess. Aside from Coronation Street and EastEnders, Kelly appeared in the likes of Home and Away, Grange Hill, Emmerdale, Heartbeat and The Bill.
Away from TV, Kelly featured in films like Magical Mystery Tour, The Savage Hunt, Without a Clue and 24 Hour Party People, and also appeared in stage shows such as Murder in the Cathedral, Getting Married and A Man for All Seasons.
In 2007, Kelly retired from acting following her final role in The Royal, and had reportedly spent her last years living with her family in North Yorkshire before moving into various care homes. Kelly is survived by her daughter and son, as well as her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.