📺 EastEnders Legend Elizabeth Kelly Dies Aged 104

Elizabeth Kelly, the much-loved British actress best known for portraying Nellie Ellis on EastEnders, has passed away at the age of 104. Her death was confirmed this week, prompting an outpouring of tributes from fans, colleagues, and soap viewers across the UK and beyond.

Kelly, born Elizabeth Hutton Kelly in Newcastle-upon-Tyne in 1921, enjoyed a remarkable career spanning more than four decades in television and film, beginning later in life but leaving an unforgettable mark on British drama.

She died peacefully of old age on 25 December 2025 (Christmas Day) in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, after spending her final years in care due to frailty. Relatives and close friends described her passing as dignified and peaceful, and a funeral service is scheduled for 17 February 2026 at St Peter’s Church, followed by a private burial.

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🎭 EastEnders and TV Legacy

Elizabeth Kelly is most fondly remembered for her role as Nellie Ellis, the feisty, sharp-tongued aunt of Pauline Fowler in EastEnders, whom she portrayed across 138 episodes from 1993–1998, with a brief return in 2000. Her character was a staple of Albert Square in the 1990s, frequently involved in family dramas, humorous clashes, and iconic moments that fans still recall fondly today.

Her portrayal of Nellie made her a familiar face to millions of viewers, bringing warmth, humour, and a touch of mischief to the soap’s storylines. Colleagues and producers have praised her for bringing depth and personality to every scene she appeared in.

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📺 Other Roles and Career Highlights

Kelly didn’t just shine on EastEnders — she enjoyed a diverse and prolific career in British television, including roles in:

• Coronation Street (as Edie Burgess in 1971)

• Emmerdale (as Edith Weatherall)

• Grange Hill

• Heartbeat

• The Bill

She also appeared in the cult film 24 Hour Party People and various TV dramas, showcasing her versatility well beyond soap characters.

Her last on-screen performance came in 2007 on The Royal before she retired from acting and spent time with family in North Yorkshire.

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❤️ Tributes from Fans and Industry

Tributes have poured in from viewers and co-stars alike, many noting her warmth, grace, and strong presence both on and off set. A local priest who visited her in care described her as “a very strong lady with a beautiful voice,” and emphasised her gracious nature.

Fans remembered her fondly on social media, celebrating her longevity, career, and the joy her performance brought into their homes over the years.

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👏 A Remarkable Life and Legacy

Elizabeth Kelly’s journey is an inspiring example of a performer who rose steadily through decades of British television — beginning her screen career at age 50 and continuing into her 80s. Her work left a lasting imprint on iconic shows and on the hearts of generations of viewers.

As the EastEnders community and fans worldwide pause to remember Nellie Ellis, her legacy remains one of strength, humour, and heartfelt performances that spanned genres, eras, and countless memorable storylines.