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{{short description|Fictional character from Emmerdale}}
{{short description|Fictional character from Emmerdale}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2023}}
{{Use British English|date=June 2013}}
{{Use British English|date=June 2013}}
{{multiple issues|
{{Tone|date=December 2007}}
{{more citations needed|date=May 2015}}
}}
{{Infobox soap character
{{Infobox soap character
⚫
| name = Pearl Ladderbanks
|series=Emmerdale
| series = Emmerdale
|image=PearlLanderbanks.jpg
| image = PearlLanderbanks.jpg
|imagesize=200
| imagesize = 200
⚫
|name= Pearl Ladderbanks
|introducer=[[Steve November|Steve Frost]]
| introducer = [[Keith Richardson (television executive)|Keith Richardson]]
|portrayer=[[Meg Johnson (actress)|Meg Johnson]]
| portrayer = [[Meg Johnson (actress)|Meg Johnson]]
|years=2003–2020
| years = 2003–2020
|first= Episode 3500 <br /> 30 July 2003
| first = Episode 3500 <br /> {{Start date|2003|07|30|df=y}}
|last= Episode 8770 <br /> 30 March 2020
| last = Episode 8770 <br /> {{End date|2020|03|30|df=y}}
|classification=[[List of former Emmerdale characters#Last appeared in 2020|Former; regular]]
| classification = [[List of former Emmerdale characters#Last appeared in 2020|Former; regular]]
|occupation=Receptionist
| occupation = Receptionist
⚫
| husband = Ted Ladderbanks (backstory)
|home=Demdyke
⚫
| sons = [[List of Emmerdale characters (2004)#Frank Bernard Hartbourne|Frank Bernard Hartbourne]]
⚫
|husband = Ted Ladderbanks (backstory)
| granddaughters = Nadine Hartbourne
⚫
|sons = [[List of Emmerdale characters (2004)#Frank Bernard Hartbourne|Frank Bernard Hartbourne]]
|granddaughters = Nadine Hartbourne
| grandsons = [[Owen Hartbourne]]
|grandsons =[[Owen Hartbourne]]
}}
}}


'''Pearl Ladderbanks''' (also '''Hartbourne''') is a [[Character (arts)|fictional character]] from the [[Television in the United Kingdom|British]] [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]] [[soap opera]] ''[[Emmerdale]]'', played by [[Meg Johnson (actress)|Meg Johnson]]. She first appeared on the show during the episode airing on 30 July 2003.
'''Pearl Ladderbanks''' (also '''Hartbourne''') is a fictional character from the [[Television in the United Kingdom|British]] [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]] [[soap opera]] ''[[Emmerdale]]'', played by [[Meg Johnson (actress)|Meg Johnson]]. She first appeared on the show in episode 3500 on 30 July 2003. Pearl's storylines included defending her rapist son [[Frank Bernard Hartbourne]] (Rob Parry), being trapped in a fire during the Sugden house explosion, developing a [[Problem gambling|gambling addiction]], committing [[embezzlement]] in order to feed her gambling and faking [[Alzheimer's disease]] to prevent her addiction from being revealed.


⚫
Johnson took an extended break from her role as Pearl during 2019, with Pearl last appearing on 18 July 2019. Pearl was off-screen until 13 January 2020, when it was revealed on-screen that she had been away from the village on a caravan holiday. The character made a handful of guest appearances until the [[COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom]] caused the character to stop appearing due to Johnson's age. Her last appearance aired on 30 March 2020.
Pearl's storylines include defending her rapist son [[Frank Bernard Hartbourne]] ([[Rob Parry]]), being trapped in a fire during the Sugden house explosion, developing a [[Problem gambling|gambling addiction]], committing [[embezzlement]] in order to feed her gambling, and faking [[Alzheimer's disease]] to prevent her addiction from being revealed.


In the episode broadcast on 1 April 2024 it was announced that Pearl had died off-screen with [[Rhona Goskirk]] receiving a letter from Pearl’s grandson Owen informing her of her death.
⚫
Johnson took an extended break from her role as Pearl during 2019, with Pearl last appearing on 18 July 2019. Pearl was off-screen until 13 January 2020, when it was revealed on-screen that Pearl had been away from the village on a caravan holiday. The character made a handful of guest appearances until the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom caused the character to stop appearing due to Johnson's age. Her last appearance aired on 30 March 2020.


==Storylines==
==Storylines==
Pearl arrived in the village and caught [[Len Reynolds]] ([[Peter Martin (actor)|Peter Martin]]) and [[Jarvis Skelton]] ([[Richard Moore (actor)|Richard Moore]])'s attention and was branded a trollop by prim [[Edna Birch]] ([[Shirley Stelfox]]). Pearl soon set her cap at Len but he took a while to see she was the woman for him. Eventually they got together and Len proposed in church one day. She accepted and the couple settled down together. It looked like they were heading for a happy-ever-after but Len and Pearl’s relationship was tested to its limit by Pearl's terrible secret. Her son [[Frank Bernard Hartbourne]], who she claimed was a financial advisor, was released from prison in 2004 after completing a sentence for [[rape]]. Len was horrified when he found out and nearly ended things with Pearl but realised the awful pain she had suffered and agreed to stand by her.
Pearl arrived in the village and catches [[Len Reynolds]] ([[Peter Martin (actor)|Peter Martin]]) and [[Jarvis Skelton]] ([[Richard Moore (actor)|Richard Moore]])'s attention. She is wrongfully branded a "trollop" by [[Edna Birch]] ([[Shirley Stelfox]]). Pearl and Len eventually get together and Len proposes to her. She accepts and the couple settle down together. However, their relationship is tested when Pearl's son [[Frank Bernard Hartbourne]] (Rob Parry), who she had claimed was a financial advisor, is released from prison after completing a sentence for [[rape]]. Len considers ending his marriage with Pearl but agrees to stand by her. Frank Bernard stays with Len and Pearl in the village, but his arrival is announced in the local paper and the villagers turn against Pearl and Len, leaving only vicar [[Ashley Thomas]] ([[John Middleton (actor)|John Middleton]]) standing by them. Frank is then beat up, and realising that his presence is harming his mother, he moves away. Pearl and Len also contemplate moving away due to the village's treatment of them, but are persuaded to stay and rebuild their lives.


⚫
When she begins working at [[Eric Pollard]]'s ([[Chris Chittell]]) factory, Pearl makes friends with fellow seamstresses [[Del Dingle]] ([[Hayley Tamaddon]]) and [[Val Pollard|Val Lambert]] ([[Charlie Hardwick]]). She is delighted when her grandson [[Owen Hartbourne|Owen]] ([[Oliver Lee (actor)|Oliver Lee]]) – son of her son Frank – visits. Owen and his mother live in [[Hong Kong]] and put Pearl in a difficult position when he asks where his father is buried. Pearl tells Owen the truth about his father and Owen admits that he already knew, having found the details on the internet. Pearl and Owen then become close. Having started using the internet for email, Pearl finds a [[get-rich-quick scheme]] and invests. She later discovers it is a scam. Having got her friends to inves too, Pearl feels obliged to pay them herself. She borrows money from Eric and is soon in debt. When Len finds out, he is horrified but helps to pay it off, thinking the matter is resolved. However, he is unaware that Eric is blackmailing Pearl over an early payment penalty clause in the contract she had signed. Horrified by the mess she has created, Pearl secretly leaves the village, leaving her engagement ring and a letter for Len.
Frank Bernard stayed with Len and Pearl in the village but his arrival was announced in the local paper and the villagers turned against Pearl and Len, leaving only vicar [[Ashley Thomas]] ([[John Middleton (actor)|John Middleton]]) standing by them. Frank was beaten up by [[Scott Windsor]] ([[Ben Freeman]]) and [[Syd Woolfe]] after a misunderstanding involving Scott's sister, [[Donna Windsor|Donna]] ([[Verity Rushworth]]). Frank realised his presence was harming his mother and moved to Leeds. Devastated at being treated so shabbily, the couple decided also decided to move away but were persuaded to stay and rebuild their lives.


Eventually, Pearl is found working in [[Leeds]] under a false name, Irene. After her picture appears in the paper, her boss confronts her and he tries convincing her to ring home. She does so after bumping into [[Daz Eden]] ([[Luke Tittensor]]), bruised and running away from his mother and her boyfriend. They agree to return to the village together and over time, the villagers grow to trust Pearl again. Len eventually dies, leaving Pearl overcome with grief. When [[Douglas Potts]] ([[Duncan Preston]]), [[Laurel Thomas]]' ([[Charlotte Bellamy]]) father, is grieving after the death of his grandson, Pearl supports him. Edna and Betty are concerned about her intentions and Edna advises Pearl not to visit Doug. She realises what Edna is implying and is furious. The arrival of [[Vanessa Woodfield]] ([[Michelle Hardwick]]) annoys Pearl, as Vanessa is constantly trying to force her into leaving her job as the vet receptionist because of her age. The feud escalates when it is discovered that [[Rhona Goskirk]] ([[Zoe Henry]]) has been taking drugs supplied by Vanessa.
⚫
When she started work at Pollard's factory, Pearl soon made friends with fellow seamstresses [[Del Dingle]] ([[Hayley Tamaddon]]) and [[Val Pollard|Val Lambert]] ([[Charlie Hardwick]]). She was delighted when her grandson Owen – son of her son Frank – visited. Owen and his mother live in [[Hong Kong]] and put Pearl in a difficult position when he asked where his father was buried. Pearl told Owen the truth about his father and Owen admitted that he already knew, having found the details on the internet. He merely wanted someone in his family to tell him the truth. Consequently, Pearl and Owen became close and she planned to visit him in [[Hong Kong]], going on an economy drive to save up.


⚫
Pearl later develops an online gambling addiction. She receives large bills that need paying and resorts to stealing from [[Paddy Kirk]] ([[Dominic Brunt]]) and Rhona and writes down what she owes in a book which Vanessa finds. Edna confronts Pearl about her stealing and Paddy and Rhona later discover her betrayal. Paddy fires Pearl from the vet's. She repays them and tells Edna that she plans to leave the village. Edna alerts Paddy and Rhona and they intervene in Pearl's plan and reconcile. Following her gambling, Eric kicks Pearl out of her home and she goes to live with Paddy and Rhona.
Having started using the [[Internet]] for email, Pearl found a [[get-rich-quick scheme]] and invested. For ages, she was convinced the money was going to start flowing in and was horrified to discover that she had been ripped off - it was a scam. Unfortunately her friends had invested too and Pearl felt obliged to pay them herself, borrowing money from Pollard but was soon in debt. When Len found out, he was horrified but helped pay it off, thinking the matter resolved. However, he didn’t know Pollard was blackmailing Pearl over an early payment penalty clause in the contract she had signed. Horrified by the mess she had created, Pearl secretly left the village, leaving her engagement ring and a letter for Len.


⚫
==Development==
Eventually Pearl was found working in [[Leeds]] under a false name - Irene. After her picture appeared in the paper, her boss confronted her and he tried convincing her to ring home. She did, but only after she bumped into [[Daz Eden]] ([[Luke Tittensor]]), bruised and running away from his Mum and her boyfriend. They agreed to return to the village together and were welcomed by their family and friends. Over time, the villagers grew to trust Pearl again and she reconciled with Len.
===Casting and characterisation===
⚫
In 2003, it was revealed that [[Edna Birch]], portrayed by [[Shirley Stelfox]], was to get a new sparring partner. [[Meg Johnson (actress)|Meg Johnson]], who had previously appeared in ''[[Brookside (television programme)|Brookside]]'' and ''[[Coronation Street]]'', was cast in the role of Pearl Ladderbanks.<ref>{{cite news |title=Emmerdale stalwart Meg Johnson dies age 86 |url=https://www.itv.com/news/2023-07-02/emmerdale-stalwart-meg-johnson-dies-age-86 |access-date=2 July 2023 |publisher=[[ITV (TV network)|ITV]] |date=2 July 2023}}</ref> Johnson promised that Pearl's arrival would put Edna's nose out of joint also saying: "Edna is shocked at her brashness and how she flirts with the men. Pearl won't stand any messing though and she’s quite rude to Edna, but in a funny way." It was also revealed that Pearl would make an impression in the community in other ways, such as her wild dress sense. Johnson explained: "It's outrageous! She loves flowery and colourful clothes – there’s a lot of pink in her wardrobe. You never see Pearl out without her face on and her hair done."<ref name="Archive">[http://www.emmerdale.me.uk/emmerdale/profiles6/pearl.htm Emmerdale Archive - Storylines, Episode Guides, Cast and Characters]</ref>


⚫
Pearl forms an attraction to [[Len Reynolds]] ([[Peter Martin (actor)|Peter Martin]]). Martin explained: "When Pearl turns up on the scene, she's this glamorous older lady with designs on Len and to be honest with you, I think he's a bit frightened of her. It's a long time since his wife died, and he's not used to female attention, so he just wants to run a mile and Len prefers Edna, despite her reputation as village battle-ax. His feelings for her have developed over time. Everyone else thinks she's a witch, but Len sees a good side to her, and really likes her."<ref name="Archive" />
Pearl needed a job so Edna helped her get the housekeeper's job at Home Farm and became a key witness when Tom was murdered. She, like most of the villagers, was at Home Farm that night. Pearl overheard [[Kelly Windsor]] ([[Adele Silva]]) and [[Jimmy King]] ([[Nick Miles]]) discussing his alibi so Pearl realised Kelly was lying when she said she had been with Jimmy when Tom died. Pearl knew because she saw Kelly alone at the time. After confronting her, Jimmy intimidated and blackmailed Pearl to keep her quiet. Unfortunately for them, she quit and went to the police.


===Break and departure===
Pearl naively thought [[Eric Pollard]] ([[Chris Chittell]]) was her friend, helping her after Len died and returned the favour by making cakes for him. Jasmine told Pearl the truth after she found out from Eric's son, David, who she was dating at the time. Pearl and her friends Edna, Terry Woods's father, [[Duke]] and Alan were livid, calling Eric a bully and a coward.
Johnson took an extended break from ''Emmerdale'' in 2019. The break was written in as Pearl going on a caravan holiday. Shortly after her return, due to her age, Johnson was considered too vulnerable to continue filming. Her final appearance aired on 30 March 2020 in scenes that see Pearl express her independence by moving away to live in a caravan.<ref name="Favourite">{{cite news |last1=Johns |first1=Victoria |title=Emmerdale actress Meg Johnson's heartbreaking final appearance as Pearl on ITV soap |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/emmerdale-actress-meg-johnsons-heartbreaking-30372449 |access-date=2 July 2023 |work=[[Daily Mirror]] |publisher=([[Reach plc]]) |date=2 July 2023}}</ref> Johnson died on 1 July 2023, having never returned to ''Emmerdale'' due to her declining health.


==Reception==
When Douglas, Laurel Thomas's father, was grieving after the death of his grandson, Daniel, in February 2008, Pearl supported him. Edna and Betty were concerned about her intentions and Edna advised Pearl not to visit Doug after Daniel's memorial service. Pearl realised what Edna was implying and furiously told her she had a filthy mind. Pearl wanted some company as she was lonely so Edna's sister [[Lily Butterfield]] ([[Anne Charleston]]) moved in with her. They became good friends and started a syndicate with Betty and Edna, entering competitions. Pearl won tickets for a Baltic cruise but couldn't decide whom to take with her so Betty and Lily started buttering her up. They were horrified when she started dating [[Joe Jacobs (Emmerdale)|Joe Jacobs]] ([[John Woodvine]]), an old friend of [[Sandy Thomas]] ([[Freddie Jones]]), Ashley's father.
After Johnson's death on 1 July 2023, the ''[[Daily Mirror]]'' noted how Pearl was a fan favourite. They described her as a "diminutive powerhouse".<ref name="Favourite" /> In 2024, Chloe Timms from ''[[Inside Soap]]'' wrote that she "adored" Pearl, adding, "I always aspired to be like Pearl when I got older".<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Timms|first1=Chloe |title=Soapbox |magazine=[[Inside Soap]] |date=13–19 April 2024 |page=39|issue=15}}</ref> That same year, following the character being killed off, Timms' colleague Laura-Jayne Tyler wrote "RIP, dear Pearl. Forever in our hearts."<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Tyler |first1=Laura-Jayne |title=Hits & Misses! |magazine=[[Inside Soap]] |date=13–19 April 2024|issue=15|page=98}}</ref> Tyler had previously joked in 2019 that Pearl was a "Style Icon", calling her "[[Elle Woods]] with a pension book".<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Tyler |first1=Laura-Jayne |title=Hits & Misses! |magazine=[[Inside Soap]] |date=27 April – 3 May 2019 |issue=17|page=98}}</ref>

Betty and Lily convinced her he only cared about the cruise ticket but he explained that he'd spent most of his career at sea, and had no desire to go on the water again. Pearl eventually took Lily but she was so controlling that Joe dropped a suitcase on her foot, meaning she had to miss the cruise, due to her injuries. Betty wasn't interested, so Pearl, realising Joe had feelings for her, gave him the ticket. Pearl returned alone and initially wouldn't talk about Joe but eventually confessed that he had been thrown off the ship for "lewd behaviour". Lily also worked at Pollards' factory and some of the factory girls clubbed together to buy a raffle ticket from Rodney. When they didn't hear anything, they assumed they hadn't won until Gennie saw an article in the paper about an unclaimed prize. Pearl called the hotline and discovered they'd won a car which they planned to sell and split the money. Lily intended to give her share to her son, Peter, who was in financial trouble but was persuaded to give him the ticket. Lily convinced everyone Pearl had got the number wrong and because of that, she'd thrown the ticket away. Pearl was mortified but Val was suspicious after seeing an article in the local paper about the winner of the unclaimed prize. After some digging, she guessed that Lily had given the ticket to Peter and Lily confessed when Edna confronted her. Lily promised to repay the money that her friends should have had.

She joined the church choir in November 2008, and in December, was there to help Lily and Edna through Lily's brain operation. In early 2009, [[Natasha Wylde]] ([[Amanda Donohoe]]) announced plans to open a shop with natural foods. Betty and Pearl were very competitive over their jam recipes but Pearl won. To her annoyance, when the shop opened in July, another woman's face was on the front of the jars. Natasha calmed her by giving her vouchers, telling her that she also wanted to respect her privacy.

The arrival of [[Vanessa Woodfield]] ([[Michelle Hardwick]]) in December 2012 annoys Pearl, as Vanessa is constantly trying to force her into leaving her job because of her age. The feud only escalates when it is discovered that [[Rhona Goskirk]] ([[Zoe Henry]]) has been taking drugs supplied by Vanessa. The funeral of [[Alan Turner (Emmerdale)|Alan Turner]] ([[Richard Thorp]]) in October 2013 deeply upsets Pearl and she for a few days is too upset to go out. However, she is present at the reopening of The Woolpack, which was damaged in [[Cameron Murray (Emmerdale)|Cameron Murray]]'s ([[Dominic Power]]) hostage siege. Presently, she is working as the receptionist at the vet's.

⚫
Pearl was brought back to the forefront at the beginning of 2015 when she developed an online gambling addiction. She received large bills that needed paying and resorted to stealing from Paddy and Rhona and writing down what she owed in an IOU book which Vanessa eventually finds. Edna also confronts Pearl about her stealing and Paddy and Rhona later discover her betrayal. Paddy shouts and fires Pearl from the vets. She gives all the money she has to Ashley which he is going to give to Paddy and Rhona and she tells Edna that she plans to leave the village. Edna alerts Paddy and Rhona and they jump on the bus and Paddy shouts at Pearl causing her to cry and they reunite. In April, her and Edna are talking about Betty and Pearl mentions that Betty has travelled to Australia. Following her gambling, Pollard kicked Pearl out of her home and she presently lives with Paddy and Rhona. She was known to gossip along with her friend, Betty.

After Rhona discovered Paddy's affair, Pearl was asked to move out in March 2016 so she moved in with Harriet and tried to set her up with Daniel, a client at the vets.

==Creation==
⚫
In 2003, it was revealed that [[Edna Birch]] was to get a new sparring partner. [[Meg Johnson (actress)|Meg Johnson]] who had previously appeared in ''[[Brookside (television programme)|Brookside]]'' as Brigid McKenna was cast as Pearl. Johnson promised that Pearl’s arrival is going to put Edna’s nose out of joint, also saying: "Edna is shocked at her brashness and how she flirts with the men. Pearl won’t stand any messing though and she’s quite rude to Edna, but in a funny way." It was also revealed that it won’t just be the devoutly [[Christians|Christian]] Mrs Birch who finds Pearl a shock to the system. Her wild dress sense will bring some vivid colour to the Dales, Johnson explained: "It's outrageous! She loves flowery and colourful clothes – there’s a lot of pink in her wardrobe. You never see Pearl out without her face on and her hair done."<ref>[http://www.emmerdale.me.uk/emmerdale/profiles6/pearl.htm Emmerdale Archive - Storylines, Episode Guides, Cast and Characters]</ref>

⚫
==Development==
⚫
Pearl formed an attraction to [[Len Reynolds]] portrayed by [[Peter Martin (actor)|Peter Martin]]. Martin, explained: "When Pearl turns up on the scene she's this glamorous older lady with designs on Len and to be honest with you, I think he's a bit frightened of her, It's a long time since his wife died, and he's not used to female attention, so he just wants to run a mile and Len prefers Edna, despite her reputation as village battle-axe. His feelings for her have developed over time. Everyone else thinks she's a witch, but Len sees a good side to her, and really likes her."


==See also==
==See also==
*[[List of Emmerdale characters (2003)]]
*[[List of Emmerdale characters (2003)|List of ''Emmerdale'' characters (2003)]]


==References==
==References==
Line 71: Line 54:


== External links ==
== External links ==
* [http://www.itv.com/page.asp?partid=3695 Pearl Ladderbanks] at [[itv.com]]
*[http://www.itv.com/page.asp?partid=3695 Pearl Ladderbanks] at [[itv.com]]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100212235457/http://holysoap.five.tv/emmerdale/cast/pearl-ladderbanks-221 Character profile] at [[Holy Soap]]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20100212235457/http://holysoap.five.tv/emmerdale/cast/pearl-ladderbanks-221 Character profile] at [[Holy Soap]]


{{Emmerdale}}
{{Emmerdale characters|past}}
{{Emmerdale characters|present}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Ladderbanks, Pearl}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ladderbanks, Pearl}}
[[Category:Emmerdale characters]]
[[Category:Emmerdale characters]]
[[Category:Television characters introduced in 2003]]
[[Category:Television characters introduced in 2003]]
[[Category:Female characters in television]]
[[Category:English female characters in soap operas]]
[[Category:Fictional factory workers]]
[[Category:Fictional factory workers]]
[[Category:Fictional receptionists]]
[[Category:Fictional receptionists]]

Latest revision as of 14:23, 20 November 2024

Pearl Ladderbanks
Emmerdale character
Portrayed byMeg Johnson
Duration2003–2020
First appearanceEpisode 3500
30 July 2003 (2003-07-30)
Last appearanceEpisode 8770
30 March 2020 (2020-03-30)
ClassificationFormer; regular
Introduced byKeith Richardson
In-universe information
OccupationReceptionist
HusbandTed Ladderbanks (backstory)
SonsFrank Bernard Hartbourne
GrandsonsOwen Hartbourne
GranddaughtersNadine Hartbourne

Pearl Ladderbanks (also Hartbourne) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Emmerdale, played by Meg Johnson. She first appeared on the show in episode 3500 on 30 July 2003. Pearl's storylines included defending her rapist son Frank Bernard Hartbourne (Rob Parry), being trapped in a fire during the Sugden house explosion, developing a gambling addiction, committing embezzlement in order to feed her gambling and faking Alzheimer's disease to prevent her addiction from being revealed.

Johnson took an extended break from her role as Pearl during 2019, with Pearl last appearing on 18 July 2019. Pearl was off-screen until 13 January 2020, when it was revealed on-screen that she had been away from the village on a caravan holiday. The character made a handful of guest appearances until the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom caused the character to stop appearing due to Johnson's age. Her last appearance aired on 30 March 2020.

In the episode broadcast on 1 April 2024 it was announced that Pearl had died off-screen with Rhona Goskirk receiving a letter from Pearl’s grandson Owen informing her of her death.

Storylines

[edit]

Pearl arrived in the village and catches Len Reynolds (Peter Martin) and Jarvis Skelton (Richard Moore)'s attention. She is wrongfully branded a "trollop" by Edna Birch (Shirley Stelfox). Pearl and Len eventually get together and Len proposes to her. She accepts and the couple settle down together. However, their relationship is tested when Pearl's son Frank Bernard Hartbourne (Rob Parry), who she had claimed was a financial advisor, is released from prison after completing a sentence for rape. Len considers ending his marriage with Pearl but agrees to stand by her. Frank Bernard stays with Len and Pearl in the village, but his arrival is announced in the local paper and the villagers turn against Pearl and Len, leaving only vicar Ashley Thomas (John Middleton) standing by them. Frank is then beat up, and realising that his presence is harming his mother, he moves away. Pearl and Len also contemplate moving away due to the village's treatment of them, but are persuaded to stay and rebuild their lives.

When she begins working at Eric Pollard's (Chris Chittell) factory, Pearl makes friends with fellow seamstresses Del Dingle (Hayley Tamaddon) and Val Lambert (Charlie Hardwick). She is delighted when her grandson Owen (Oliver Lee) – son of her son Frank – visits. Owen and his mother live in Hong Kong and put Pearl in a difficult position when he asks where his father is buried. Pearl tells Owen the truth about his father and Owen admits that he already knew, having found the details on the internet. Pearl and Owen then become close. Having started using the internet for email, Pearl finds a get-rich-quick scheme and invests. She later discovers it is a scam. Having got her friends to inves too, Pearl feels obliged to pay them herself. She borrows money from Eric and is soon in debt. When Len finds out, he is horrified but helps to pay it off, thinking the matter is resolved. However, he is unaware that Eric is blackmailing Pearl over an early payment penalty clause in the contract she had signed. Horrified by the mess she has created, Pearl secretly leaves the village, leaving her engagement ring and a letter for Len.

Eventually, Pearl is found working in Leeds under a false name, Irene. After her picture appears in the paper, her boss confronts her and he tries convincing her to ring home. She does so after bumping into Daz Eden (Luke Tittensor), bruised and running away from his mother and her boyfriend. They agree to return to the village together and over time, the villagers grow to trust Pearl again. Len eventually dies, leaving Pearl overcome with grief. When Douglas Potts (Duncan Preston), Laurel Thomas' (Charlotte Bellamy) father, is grieving after the death of his grandson, Pearl supports him. Edna and Betty are concerned about her intentions and Edna advises Pearl not to visit Doug. She realises what Edna is implying and is furious. The arrival of Vanessa Woodfield (Michelle Hardwick) annoys Pearl, as Vanessa is constantly trying to force her into leaving her job as the vet receptionist because of her age. The feud escalates when it is discovered that Rhona Goskirk (Zoe Henry) has been taking drugs supplied by Vanessa.

Pearl later develops an online gambling addiction. She receives large bills that need paying and resorts to stealing from Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt) and Rhona and writes down what she owes in a book which Vanessa finds. Edna confronts Pearl about her stealing and Paddy and Rhona later discover her betrayal. Paddy fires Pearl from the vet's. She repays them and tells Edna that she plans to leave the village. Edna alerts Paddy and Rhona and they intervene in Pearl's plan and reconcile. Following her gambling, Eric kicks Pearl out of her home and she goes to live with Paddy and Rhona.

Development

[edit]

Casting and characterisation

[edit]

In 2003, it was revealed that Edna Birch, portrayed by Shirley Stelfox, was to get a new sparring partner. Meg Johnson, who had previously appeared in Brookside and Coronation Street, was cast in the role of Pearl Ladderbanks.[1] Johnson promised that Pearl's arrival would put Edna's nose out of joint also saying: "Edna is shocked at her brashness and how she flirts with the men. Pearl won't stand any messing though and she’s quite rude to Edna, but in a funny way." It was also revealed that Pearl would make an impression in the community in other ways, such as her wild dress sense. Johnson explained: "It's outrageous! She loves flowery and colourful clothes – there’s a lot of pink in her wardrobe. You never see Pearl out without her face on and her hair done."[2]

Pearl forms an attraction to Len Reynolds (Peter Martin). Martin explained: "When Pearl turns up on the scene, she's this glamorous older lady with designs on Len and to be honest with you, I think he's a bit frightened of her. It's a long time since his wife died, and he's not used to female attention, so he just wants to run a mile and Len prefers Edna, despite her reputation as village battle-ax. His feelings for her have developed over time. Everyone else thinks she's a witch, but Len sees a good side to her, and really likes her."[2]

Break and departure

[edit]

Johnson took an extended break from Emmerdale in 2019. The break was written in as Pearl going on a caravan holiday. Shortly after her return, due to her age, Johnson was considered too vulnerable to continue filming. Her final appearance aired on 30 March 2020 in scenes that see Pearl express her independence by moving away to live in a caravan.[3] Johnson died on 1 July 2023, having never returned to Emmerdale due to her declining health.

Reception

[edit]

After Johnson's death on 1 July 2023, the Daily Mirror noted how Pearl was a fan favourite. They described her as a "diminutive powerhouse".[3] In 2024, Chloe Timms from Inside Soap wrote that she "adored" Pearl, adding, "I always aspired to be like Pearl when I got older".[4] That same year, following the character being killed off, Timms' colleague Laura-Jayne Tyler wrote "RIP, dear Pearl. Forever in our hearts."[5] Tyler had previously joked in 2019 that Pearl was a "Style Icon", calling her "Elle Woods with a pension book".[6]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Emmerdale stalwart Meg Johnson dies age 86". ITV. 2 July 2023. Retrieved 2 July 2023.
  2. ^ a b Emmerdale Archive - Storylines, Episode Guides, Cast and Characters
  3. ^ a b Johns, Victoria (2 July 2023). "Emmerdale actress Meg Johnson's heartbreaking final appearance as Pearl on ITV soap". Daily Mirror. (Reach plc). Retrieved 2 July 2023.
  4. ^ Timms, Chloe (13–19 April 2024). "Soapbox". Inside Soap. No. 15. p. 39.
  5. ^ Tyler, Laura-Jayne (13–19 April 2024). "Hits & Misses!". Inside Soap. No. 15. p. 98.
  6. ^ Tyler, Laura-Jayne (27 April – 3 May 2019). "Hits & Misses!". Inside Soap. No. 17. p. 98.
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