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'Coronation Street' Legend, Vera Duckworth Actress Liz Dawn Dies Aged 77

'Coronation Street' Legend, Vera Duckworth Actress Liz Dawn Dies Aged 77

RIP to one the show's most memorable stars

Michael Minay

Michael Minay

Coronation Street actress Liz Dawn has died aged 77.

Best known for her role as Vera Duckworth she appeared on the show from 1974 until 2008.

Dawn, awarded an MBE in 2000, formed an infamous on-screen partnership with Bill Tarmey who played Jack Duckworth.

An official tweet from the show reads: "It is with the greatest sadness that we have learned our beloved Liz Dawn has passed away last night."

Credit: PA

She died at her home on Monday night, surrounded by her family, according to an ITV statement.

Dawn was a long-time sufferer of chronic bronchitis and emphysema and worked closely with the Breathe Easy Network.

Her family said they were 'devastated and heartbroken' after the death of the 'incredible' woman.

They added: "She has been the love, light and inspiration in our lives and we are bereft at her passing."

Many on Twitter were also saddened at the passing. One wrote: "Legend. Iconic character. She won't be forgotten. That last scene with Jack was beautiful."

"Goodnight Vera love," wrote another. "Have a drink with Jack on the cobbled stairs to heaven."

A third added: "God bless. I grew up with Vera and Jack... They made Coronation Street great. Great northern humour."

The actress briefly reappeared in 2010 for the death of Jack - returning as a ghost that had come to tell him there was a 'bus waiting' to take him to the pearly gates.

Credit: ITV

Another memorable scene saw Vera getting revenge on wayward Jack, who had appeared on a dating programme in a wig, having adopted a fake accent and used a false name.

Vera arranged to meet 'Vince' at The Rovers, wearing a ginger wig. Jack entered the pub to see the red-haired woman standing with her back to him. As she turned, Jack was left embarrassed.

"You're no flipping widow, either!" Jack said.

"No, but I will be ten minutes after I get you home!" Vera responded.

Credit: ITV

Over 12 million people tuned into Coronation Street in 2008 to watch her passing - as she sat peacefully and slipped away in her armchair.

Earlier this month, the Sun on Sunday revealed that Liz had been rushed into hospital in Manchester after suffering from fluid on the lungs and chest pains.

She had been restricted to a wheelchair and was housebound for two weeks before her death.

Liz had to undergo surgery linked to a heart condition and had also been prevented from attending the wedding of her grandson Thomas Borso, who tied the knot with Alice Coughlin - fellow Corrie star Debbie Rush's niece - in Italy in June.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Coronation Street