In the days when I watched Eastenders (shared flats ), I used to like Ethel because she reminded me of my grandmother. In fact, she used to use some of the same mixed-up words and phrases.
I can't believe that she was working up until she was 89! I hadn't realised she was so old... what a remarkable life!
She was a good actress, and her character was really good too. Compare her to todays offerings such as Mo and you can see why EE has gone down the pan.