Beloved EastEnders icon dies after four-decade career
The EastEnders icon, who played Nellie Ellis on the BBC soap, passed away on Christmas Day.
www.express.co.ukDirect answer: Elsie Kelly, the British actress famous for Benidorm, passed away on April 21, 2026 at age 89. Her death was confirmed by her representative, and reports note she died peacefully after a short illness.[3][4][9]
Details and context:
- Elsie Kelly is best known to many for her role as Noreen in Benidorm, spanning decades of work in television, theatre, and film.[4][3]
- Reporting on her death indicates the confirmation came from her agent/rep, with notes of a peaceful passing surrounded by family.[3][4]
- Initial coverage appeared across multiple outlets on April 21–22, 2026, as the news circulated and tributes began.[9][4][3]
If you’d like, I can pull more biographical highlights, or compile a brief tribute summary from multiple sources.