Elizabeth Kelly, the much-loved actress best remembered for her role as the sharp-tongued yet deeply human Nellie Ellis on BBC’s EastEnders, has died at the age of 104. Her passing brings to a close a remarkable chapter in British television history—one defined not by stardom chased early, but by a late-blooming career built on craft, warmth and resilience.
Kelly died peacefully in late December 2025 after a period of frailty, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy that spanned four decades and some of the UK’s most iconic soaps.
A Brief Look at Elizabeth Kelly’s Life and Passing
Elizabeth Kelly was one of British television’s rare centenarians, an actor whose career and life stretched across more than a century. She passed away peacefully in Scarborough in late December 2025, having spent her final years in care homes due to increasing frailty. Her funeral service is scheduled for February 17, 2026, at St Peter’s Church in Scarborough, followed by a private burial in keeping with her family’s wishes.
Her death was confirmed by her agent, while the priest who regularly visited her in her later years also spoke publicly about her final days, describing them as calm, dignified and peaceful.
From Newcastle Beginnings to a Late Start on Screen
Born Elizabeth Trower in Newcastle-upon-Tyne in 1921, Kelly’s journey into acting was far from conventional. Unlike many performers who begin young, she entered professional television later in life. One of her earliest screen appearances came in an uncredited role in Magical Mystery Tour, the 1967 musical film by The Beatles—an often-overlooked footnote that marked her first steps on screen.
Her first major television breakthrough arrived in 1971, when she appeared as Edie Burgess in Coronation Street. She was 50 years old at the time. That role proved pivotal, opening doors to steady work across British television and setting the foundation for a career that would quietly flourish over the next four decades.
Becoming a Familiar Face on British Television
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Kelly built a reputation as a dependable and expressive character actress. She appeared in respected dramas such as A Family at War and Grange Hill, gradually becoming a familiar presence to viewers across the UK. Her ability to bring depth and authenticity to supporting roles made her a natural fit for the soap genre, where character and continuity matter deeply.
Nellie Ellis: A Defining EastEnders Role
Kelly’s most enduring contribution to British television came in December 1993, when she joined EastEnders as Nellie Ellis, the outspoken cousin of Lou Beale and a relative of Pauline Fowler. She first appeared at the funeral of Pete Beale, quickly establishing Nellie as a character who could unsettle a room with a sharp remark while still revealing flashes of warmth and loyalty.
Nellie became a regular presence in the Fowler household, frequently clashing with Arthur Fowler and inserting herself into family matters—often uninvited. One of the most memorable aspects of her time on the soap was her complicated friendship with Ethel Skinner, a relationship marked by friction, humour and genuine affection.
Between 1993 and 1998, Kelly appeared regularly on the show, before returning briefly in 2000 for Ethel Skinner’s funeral. In total, she featured in 138 episodes of EastEnders, securing Nellie Ellis a lasting place in the show’s history. Even after Kelly’s departure, the character continued to be mentioned, a rare distinction that underscored her impact.
Life Beyond Albert Square
Although EastEnders made her a household name, Kelly’s career extended well beyond Walford. She went on to appear in Emmerdale, playing Edith Weatherall, who lived with popular characters Marlon Dingle and Tricia Stokes. Her television credits also included Heartbeat, The Bill, Home and Away, and Grange Hill, reflecting her versatility and longevity.
Kelly also appeared in the cult indie film 24 Hour Party People, acting alongside Steve Coogan. Her final on-screen role came in 2007, when she appeared in ITV’s The Royal. She retired from acting shortly afterwards at the age of 86, bringing her professional journey to a dignified close.
Final Years, Faith and a Peaceful Passing
In her later years, Kelly lived in North Yorkshire before moving into various care homes as her health declined. Father Eddie Gubbins, the priest at St Peter’s Church in Scarborough, visited her regularly when she became too frail to attend services. He last saw her in early December 2025, just weeks before her death.
Speaking publicly, Father Gubbins described Kelly as “a very strong lady” with “a beautiful voice,” adding that she was “very gracious” and had “a very peaceful death.” He confirmed that she died of old age, surrounded by care and dignity.
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While some reports state that Kelly died on Christmas Day, December 25, 2025, her agent later confirmed December 31, 2025 as the official date. Both accounts agree on the circumstances: a calm and peaceful passing in Scarborough.
Tributes and Recognition
Following news of her death, EastEnders issued a statement paying tribute to Kelly’s warmth, kindness and the memorable character she created in Nellie Ellis. Fans echoed those sentiments across social media, affectionately referring to her as “Auntie Nellie” and celebrating a life that spanned generations.
Her work continued to be recognised long after she left the screen. In 2015, Kelly received a British Soap Awards nomination for a memorable EastEnders scene, a rare honour that highlighted the enduring impact of her performances years after her final appearance.
Kelly was widowed and is survived by her son, daughter, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her family has requested privacy as they prepare to lay her to rest.
A Spiritual Reflection on Life, Death, and the Teachings of Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji
In moments like the passing of Elizabeth Kelly, human life naturally turns toward deeper questions about existence, ageing, and what lies beyond death. According to the unique spiritual knowledge of Saint Rampal Ji Maharaj, death is not the end, but a transition governed by the laws of karma. His teachings explain that worldly success, longevity, and fame cannot free the soul from repeated birth and death.
True liberation is achieved only through correct spiritual knowledge, true devotion, and understanding the purpose of human life. Such wisdom encourages individuals to look beyond material achievements and seek lasting peace through spiritual truth.
A Legacy of Longevity, Craft and Quiet Impact
Elizabeth Kelly’s story stands as a powerful reminder that success in television does not follow a single path. Beginning her major screen career at 50, she went on to shape some of Britain’s most loved soaps with performances rooted in honesty and humanity. She never sought the spotlight, yet left an indelible mark through characters that felt real, flawed and deeply familiar.
As British television bids farewell to one of its oldest and most respected performers, Kelly’s legacy lives on through Nellie Ellis and the many other roles she brought to life. Her career, defined by patience, perseverance and grace, remains a testament to the enduring power of character acting—and to a life lived fully, on screen and beyond.
faqs on EastEnders actress Elizabeth Kelly death news
1. Who was Elizabeth Kelly in EastEnders?
Elizabeth Kelly played Nellie Ellis, the sharp-tongued relative of Pauline Fowler, appearing in 138 episodes of EastEnders between 1993–1998, with a final return in 2000.
2. How old was Elizabeth Kelly when she died?
Elizabeth Kelly died at the age of 104, making her one of the rare centenarians in British television history.
3. What was the cause of Elizabeth Kelly’s death?
According to Father Eddie Gubbins, Elizabeth Kelly died peacefully of old age after living with frailty in care homes.
4. When and where is Elizabeth Kelly’s funeral?
Her funeral will take place on February 17, 2026, at St Peter’s Church in Scarborough, followed by a private burial.
5. What were Elizabeth Kelly’s most famous TV shows and films?Her notable works include EastEnders, Coronation Street, Emmerdale, The Bill, Heartbeat, Grange Hill, Home and Away, and the film 24 Hour Party People.
