CORONATION STREET LEGEND LIZ DAWN DIES AGED 77

The legendary actress who played much loved street favourite Vera Duckworth for over 30 years sadly passed away surrounded by her family at her home on Monday night.

A statement from the family of Liz Dawn

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.

A statement from Coronation Street

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.

On behalf of ITV and the programme Coronation Street’s Executive Producer, Kieran Roberts said:

"Liz Dawn was a true Coronation Street legend, a brilliant actor and a wonderful person. Everyone lucky enough to have worked with Liz during her thirty-four years playing Corrie icon Vera Duckworth will remember her with huge affection."

In mid-2004, Dawn was diagnosed with the incurable lung disease emphysema. On 22 July 2007, Granada Television (makers of Coronation Street) announced that Dawn was to be written out – at her own request – before Christmas, because of further complications with the disease.

Vera was a much loved character on the show set in the fictional town of Weatherfield, which was based on the backstreet terraces of Salford, she stared alongside long suffering on screen husband Jack (Bill Tarmey) who sadly passed in November 2012. the pair had what could be described as a wild and stormy relationship filled with fun and laughter and a bit of drama thrown in for good measure.

The on screen husband and wife shared the screen for over three decades, and are were the nations favourite publicans when they took over the running of the soaps local pub, the Rovers Return.

Liz played the role until 2008, when an episode featuring Vera's death attracted more than 12 million viewers.

Actresses like her come once in a generation and she will be sadly missed by all.