TV

Coronation Street actress Liz Dawn passes away

The TV favourite was much loved by soap fans.
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Liz Dawn, who played soap stalwart Vera Duckworth on Coronation Street for 34 years, has died.

The TV favourite, who left the soap in 2008, passed away after a battle with emphysema, which is also known as Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a type of obstructive lung disease.

Liz, who passed away at age 77, was diagnosed with the incurable lung disease in 2004, and was written out of the soap at her own request after 34 years on the show.

Her family paid tribute to her in a statement released earlier today: “We are devastated and heartbroken at the passing of our much-loved wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great grandmother, the incredible Liz Dawn.

“Liz died peacefully last night at home with her loving family around her. She has been the love, light and inspiration in our lives and we are bereft at her passing.”

The Coronation Street cast and crew also released a joint statement, which read: “It is with the greatest sadness that we have learned our beloved Liz Dawn has passed away last night. Her family at Coronation Street are heartbroken.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathy at this very sad time to Liz’s devoted husband Don, her loving children Graham, Dawn, Ann and Julie, their families and her six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

“We have been blessed to have Liz in our lives, as she was such a kind, considerate and caring friend and colleague. As Coronation Street’s Vera Duckworth for 34 years, Liz brought so much joy and happiness to so many. She was a wonderful actress who will forever be a true Coronation Street legend.”

Vera and Jack’s relationship was loved by all Corrie fans (Credit: ITV/ Coronation Street)

Vera, along with her on-screen husband Jack Duckworth, who was played by Bill Tarmey, were one of the most loved couples in soap history.

At the time of her departure from the soap, Liz confessed to The Sun that the hardest thing about leaving the show was saying goodbye to Bill, with whom she was close friends.

She said: “Leaving Bill will be the hardest thing I will have to face. He’s my best friend. I don’t know how I’m going to be able to say goodbye to him. I never thought I’d have to.”

Liz Dawn with Queen Elizabeth IIat the ITV 50th Anniversary celebration in 2005.

In one of the most heartbreaking moments in the world of TV, Liz returned to the soap in 2010 for the death of Jack, who passed away in the same chair that Vera had.

She appeared as a spirit to Jack in his final moments, and the couple enjoyed one last loving dance together before he died.

RIP Liz Dawn.

Via Closer UK

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