worsen at the beginning of 2013. On top of pre-existing bills, she has to continue to pay for Tootsie's treatment and repay her credit card. Additionally, she has to buy food for both her and Tootsie in order to keep her well. Stelfox described the start to the new year as "fairly grimly" for her character, and said that "This situation has been a nightmare for Edna". As part of her financial issues, Edna resorts to selling her father's medals. The story concludes when Edna collapses. Stelfox told Daniel Kilkelly from Digital Spy that Edna becomes unwell, but cannot recognise it as "she feels she's tough enough". Neighbours grow concerned for Edna, but she does not realise. When Edna collapses, Jimmy spots her and calls an ambulance. He then invites her to live with him and his wife Nicola. Stelfox explained that Edna finds the situation embarrassing and "very uncomfortable", but accepts the help because she has no other option. Ashley also tries to help Edna, but she is reluctant to accept his support. Stelfox hoped that would change as their relationship has become strained. Departure Stelfox died on 7 December 2015 aged 74 following a short battle with cancer. At the time of her death, she had appeared in the soap for fifteen years. The character's final scenes aired prior to her death. John Whiston, the executive producer at ITV, led a tribute to the actress and stated, "it is hard to imagine Emmerdale without her". He added that he expects that millions will "miss Edna enormously". Jones expressed his sadness at Stelfox's death and told Alison Gardner of What to Watch that he would miss the "lovely working relationship" they shared. Middleton paid tribute to Stelfox when Emmerdale won the British Soap Award for Best British Soap at the 2016 ceremony, the first time they have won the award. He stated that "her heart would have burst with pride" to see the show win. Plans to kill the character off off-screen were announced in April 2016. Scriptwriter Bill Lyons found it difficult to write about Edna's death, describing it as an "awful" thing to do. Ashley receives a phone call informing him of Edna's death and has to share the news with the rest of the village. Writers explored the impact of Edna's death on her friends. Prior to her death, Edna decided that Ashley should lead her