Liz Dawn’s ‘Coronation Street’ co-stars gave an emotional eulogy at her funeral on Friday (06.10.17).
Samia Longchambon and Alan Halsall, who play Maria Connor and Tyrone Dobbs, paid tribute to the late actress and her on-screen partnership with Bill Tarmey, as married couple Vera and Jack Duckworth, at the memorial at Salford Cathedral in Manchester.
Samia said: "Her formidable partnership with Bill Tarmey is etched forever in the programme’s history as over three decades they entertained us with their incredible wit and legendary Duckworth sparring matches, written so beautifully and enhanced by their gutsy, honest performances.
"Liz was always a force to be reckoned with and someone we all looked up to and admired. A doting mother-of-four, she used her celebrity status to make the world a better place.
"She wanted to share her good fortune with everyone and was the first to help charities that sought her patronage and support.’
"I was 17 when I joined ‘Coronation Street’ and as daunting as it was becoming part of such an iconic programme it was made easier by having Liz and Bill as parental figures to Alan and me. They guided us throughout our early days and ensured we stayed grounded.
"They instilled a discipline in us that would always remain, but at the same time our days on set were filled with nothing but fun and laughter.
"Liz was a truly great and special lady, and her legacy will go on. She touched our lives and made a difference, and for that reason we are truly grateful to her.
"We will cherish our memories of working with her and our everlasting friendship.’
"God bless you Liz, sleep tight. We’ll never forget you."
Alan raised a laugh by reminiscing on the time Prince Charles paid a visit to the set and found Liz in character lying in bed in a coma.
He said: "The Prince and his entourage came to her bedside keen to meet the character who thought she was related to the royal family.
"But with one eye open, she broke the ice by asking: ‘Hiya love, have ya brought me grapes?’ and Charles turned to his aide and said: ‘Have we got any grapes?’
"Of course we were all in hysterics as Liz had done what she always did best – make people laugh and put you all at ease.
"Liz was a hard-working wife and mother, sister, grandmother great grandmother and a great friend. Liz was a true inspiration and was always so generous with her time. And she never expected anything in return."
Speaking afterwards to Sky News, Helen Worth – who plays Gail Platt – said: "It was sad and it was beautiful. All the elements that Liz had, it had. It was a service for Liz and a great tribute."
Liz, 77, passed away late last month following a period of poor health.
She first appeared on ‘Corrie’ in 1974 and her partnership with Tarmey – who died in 2012 – 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.
Liz is survived by her husband Don Ibbotson and her four children.
Liz Dawn’s co-stars give emotional eulogy at funeral
