EastEnders Star Elizabeth Kelly Dies At 104

Elizabeth Kelly, the beloved actress who brought the sharp-tongued yet endearing Nellie Ellis to life on EastEnders, has died at the remarkable age of 104. News of her passing, which occurred peacefully on Christmas Day, December 25, 2025, has resonated deeply with fans and colleagues alike, marking the end of an era for British television drama. Her funeral is set to take place on February 17, 2026, at St Peter’s Church in Scarborough, where a private service will honor her extraordinary life and career.

Kelly’s journey to television stardom was anything but conventional. Born Elizabeth Trower in Newcastle-upon-Tyne in 1921, she didn’t find her way onto television screens until she was 46, when she landed a small part as a passenger in Magical Mystery Tour. Her first notable credit came in 1971, as Edie Burgess in Coronation Street. From there, her career blossomed, and she became a familiar presence in British soaps, making appearances in Grange Hill, Heartbeat, The Bill, and Emmerdale. She even made a cameo in the cult indie film 24 Hour Party People alongside Steve Coogan, demonstrating her versatility across genres.

But it was her role as Nellie Ellis, Pauline Fowler’s meddlesome relative, that cemented Kelly’s place in the hearts of millions. She joined EastEnders in December 1993, first appearing at the funeral of Pete Beale. Nellie soon moved in with the Fowler family, where she became known for her frequent clashes with Arthur Fowler and her complex friendship with Ethel Skinner. Over the next five years, Kelly appeared in 138 episodes, her character both helping and hindering the Fowlers in equal measure. She returned for a poignant guest appearance in 2000, following the death of Ethel Skinner, before retiring from the show for good.

Kelly’s portrayal of Nellie was so memorable that even after her character’s departure, she was referenced in storylines, a testament to her enduring impact. As EastEnders paid tribute, the show’s statement read: “Elizabeth Kelly created a wonderful character in Nellie Ellis, and it is with great sadness that we learn of her passing. Those that worked with Elizabeth at EastEnders will remember her fondly for her warmth and kindness, and our love and thoughts are with Elizabeth’s family and friends.”

Her career wasn’t limited to EastEnders. Kelly’s work in Coronation Street as Edie Burgess, as well as her roles in Heartbeat, Grange Hill, The Bill, and Emmerdale—where she played Edith Weatherall—showcased her ability to bring depth and humanity to every character she portrayed. Her final on-screen appearance was in an episode of The Royal in 2007, after which she retired from acting, reportedly returning to North Yorkshire to spend her final years with her family.

Throughout her 40-year television career, Kelly remained a private individual, rarely giving interviews or seeking the spotlight outside of her roles. Despite this, it is known that she was married and is survived by her son, daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her family has requested privacy during this time, as they mourn the loss of a matriarch who balanced the demands of a public career with the quiet devotion of family life.

Father Eddie Gubbins of St Peter’s Church in Scarborough, who often visited Kelly in her care home, offered heartfelt words in remembrance. According to The Sun, he described her as “a very strong lady and had a beautiful voice. She had a very peaceful death in the end. She was a beautiful lady and very gracious.” Gubbins explained that Kelly had become too frail to attend church in her final months, so he brought communion to her care home in early December 2025. “She was too frail for church, so we came to her in her care home… that would have been early December,” he said.

As news of her passing spread, tributes poured in across social media and from colleagues. Fans recalled her wit, warmth, and the authenticity she brought to every role. “104 is a fine age to live to. Rest in peace, Nellie,” wrote one admirer, while another added, “RIP Elizabeth Kelly. Best known for playing Nellie Ellis in EastEnders during the 1990s 104. Such a great age.”

Kelly’s legacy extends beyond her on-screen achievements. She was part of a generation of actors who shaped the golden age of British soap operas, bringing working-class stories and relatable characters to the forefront of popular culture. Her performances resonated with viewers who saw their own families and communities reflected in her portrayals. In an industry often obsessed with youth and novelty, Kelly’s late-blooming success and longevity stand as an inspiration to actors everywhere.

The soap world has recently mourned other losses as well. Peter Rose, a director who worked on EastEnders, Emmerdale, and Coronation Street, also passed away the weekend before February 4, 2026. Tributes from colleagues, including screenwriter Harry Duffin and friend Kathryn Davies, highlighted Rose’s warmth, professionalism, and the lasting friendships he built across decades in television.

Kelly’s funeral on February 17 is expected to be a private affair, reflecting her family’s wishes for a quiet goodbye. Yet, for the millions who welcomed Nellie Ellis into their living rooms, her memory will linger on through reruns, memories, and the indelible mark she left on British television. As Father Gubbins so aptly put it, “She was a beautiful lady and very gracious.”

Elizabeth Kelly’s life and work remind us that it’s never too late to make an impact, and that sometimes, the most enduring legacies are built not just on talent, but on kindness, resilience, and the ability to touch the hearts of others—on and off the screen.