Many of her stories have involved her dogs, including being run over saving Tootsie and the death of Batley, which won an award.

The programme established friendships for Edna with many characters of a similar age, and in later years, she was paired with Sandy Thomas (Freddie Jones), which generated many comedic scenes.

The introduction of her estranged sister, Lily Butterfield (Anne Charleston), created a new story for Edna as it was revealed that her son was in fact her nephew.

During the story, Edna faces having to pay for Tootsie's medical bills, a burglary at her home, debts and eventually, a collapse.

[1] Having lived in the village for many years, Edna first appears when she opposes the matching of local vicar Ashley Thomas (John Middleton) and pub landlady Bernice Blackstock (Samantha Giles).

Finally seeing her true colours, Edna sends Eve back to live with her father, Peter Birch (Philip Bird), in France.

When vet Paddy Kirk (Dominic Brunt) finds a homeless dog, Tootsie (Sky/Dusty), he asks Edna to care for her.

After needing a new boiler, Edna accepts a loan from local businessman Tom King (Ken Farrington) to buy one.

To pay the loan back, Tom suggests that she become his personal assistant as he would prefer someone efficient rather than the glamorous yet incompetent young women favoured by his sons.

While she does not always agree with Tom, Edna believes he is a good person and soon falls for him; she is consequently disappointed when he marries Rosemary Sinclair (Linda Thorson).

Months later, Tootsie begins to feel unwell and is examined by vet Hari Prasad (John Nayagam), who finds her close to giving birth.

Lily arrives in the village and begins to grow cannabis in Home Form's polytunnel, having found it more effective for her arthritis than prescription medicines.

When the King brothers start their own haulage business, Edna offers her help to receptionist Scarlett Nicholls (Kelsey-Beth Crossley).

Edna, a reformed Nicola and other parishioners are furious and stage a lock-in on Christmas Day, convincing Eric and David not to buy the church.

Having stopped working and spent lots of money on Tootsie's vet care, Edna struggles financially, peaking when Jimmy finds her unconscious due to not being able to afford heating or food.

Ashley's father, Sandy Thomas (Freddie Jones), becomes her lodger after needing a new home and to give Edna an income source.

They become close and are joined by Ashley and Edna's relative, Harriet Finch (Katherine Dow Blyton), when she moves to the village.

[4] Upon her arrival, Edna created "controversy" by campaigning to end a new relationship between local vicar Ashley Thomas and pub landlady Bernice Blackstock.

[7] One of the character's more notable traits is her religious beliefs; she is a devout Christian and spends time helping at the local church.

[7] The show's wardrobe department dressed the character in a "pudding-basin" hat and distinctive coat, a costume which Edna became recognisable by.

[7][11] Producer Kate Oates liked the shared backstory between Edna and Lawrence and called it "timely" in relation to public campaigns for pardons towards the men prosecuted for their sexuality.

[4][12] Throughout her time on the soap, Edna develops friendships with characters of a similar age, including Alan Turner (Richard Thorp), Betty Eagleton, Pearl Ladderbanks and Len Reynolds.

[19] In 2001, producers introduced Edna's "rebellious" granddaughter Eve Birch, portrayed by Raine Davison, who described her character as "a strong-willed girl".

[21] Edna's family were further explored in 2006 through the introduction of her son Peter and her estranged sister Lily Butterfield, as well as a guest return for Eve.

Kathleen Beedles, the show's series producer, was excited about Charleston's casting and teased, "expect to see sparks fly when Edna and Lily are reunited".

[9] 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.

[36] For the character's financial difficulties story, Stelfox received a positive response from the audience, who expressed their hope that Edna would seek help.

[37] In 2012, three cast members – Dominic Brunt (Paddy Kirk), Tom Lister (Carl King) and Sian Reese-Williams (Gennie Walker) – created a folk rock band with two other friends.

[38] Duncan Lindsey of the Metro thought that Edna is best known for "her sharp lines, her officious hat and her love for her dogs Batley and Tootsie".

[39] The Guardian's Anthony Hayward described the character as "Emmerdale's preacher of morals, the prudish, churchgoing Edna Birch, who always spoke her mind",[5] adding that she is "prim [and] matronly".