Liz Dawn has died.
The ‘Coronation Street’ legend – who played battleaxe Vera Duckworth – passed away on Monday (25.09.17) evening at the age of 77 following a lengthy period of ill health, surrounded by her family, including husband Don Ibbotson and their children.
A statement from her loved ones confirming the sad news read: "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."
And the news has left the entire ‘Coronation Street’ cast "heartbroken".
Soap bosses released a statement which said: "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.
And the soap’s executive producer, Kieran Roberts, described the actress – who suffered from lung condition emphysema and recently spent two weeks in hospital with complications – as a "legend and a wonderful person".
He 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."
Liz had been housebound for several weeks prior to her passing, and been using a wheelchair. In June, she missed the wedding of her grandson, Thomas Borso, to Alice Coughlin in Italy after having surgery related to a heart condition.
In 2013 she had a pacemaker fitted after suffering a heart attack while on holiday in Spain.
Liz first appeared on ‘Corrie’ in 1974 and her partnership with Bill Tarmey, who played Jack Duckworth was a huge hit with fans for years.
Although her character was killed off in 2000, dying peacefully in her sleep, she made a brief reappearance as a vision to Jack as he passed away in a moving scene which saw them share one last dance.
Bill died in 2012.
Liz Dawn dies
