Elizabeth Kelly, the beloved actress best known for playing Pauline Fowler’s no-nonsense aunt Nellie Ellis in EastEnders, has died at the age of 104.
The veteran performer passed away peacefully on Christmas Day, with the news shared publicly in the days leading up to her funeral service later this month. A priest from the church where her funeral will be held confirmed she died of old age, describing her final days as calm and dignified. He recalled visiting her at her care home in early December, saying she was “a beautiful lady and very gracious”.
Kelly’s career spanned more than four decades and made her one of British television’s rare centenarians. She portrayed the sharp-tongued but memorable Nellie Ellis across seven years in Albert Square, appearing in 138 episodes between 1993 and 1998, before returning briefly in 2000 for Ethel Skinner’s funeral.
Beyond Walford, Kelly was a familiar face across the UK’s most iconic soaps. She appeared in Coronation Street as Edie Burgess, and also featured in Emmerdale, Heartbeat, The Bill, Grange Hill and Home and Away. Her film work included a role in the cult indie movie 24 Hour Party People alongside Steve Coogan.
Born in Newcastle upon Tyne, Kelly did not begin her acting career until her mid-40s, first appearing on screen in the late 1960s. She continued working well into later life and finally retired in 2007 at the age of 86, with her last role in The Royal.
A funeral service will take place on February 17 at St Peter’s Church, followed by a private burial. As news of her death spread, fans and fellow viewers flooded social media with tributes, with one writing: “EastEnders legend Elizabeth Kelly — a true soap icon.” Another added simply: “RIP Aunty Nellie.”
