Ta-ra, Vera love...
LIZ DAWN 1939-2017
TRIBUTES last night poured in for treasured Coronation Street star Liz Dawn, who has died aged 77.
The actress and mum of four, who trod the cobbles as feisty Vera Duckworth for 34 years, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family. She had suffered from lung condition emphysema and had heart surgery in June.
Don Ibbotson, her devoted husband of more than 50 years, said: “We are devastated and heartbroken at the passing of our much-loved wife, mother, sister, grandmother and greatgrandmother, the incredible Liz Dawn.
“She has been the love, light and inspiration in our lives and we are bereft at her passing.”
Corrie executive producer Kieran Roberts led the tributes, which came from fellow actors, TV personalities and politicians to the Street favourite who lit up the lives of millions with her antics alongside screen husband Jack, played by Bill Tarmey.
He said: “Liz was a true Coronation Street legend, a brilliant actor and wonderful person.” Bill Roache, who plays Ken Barlow in the ITV soap, described her as “one of the most beautiful human beings I’ve ever met”.
The 85-year-old added: “She was kind. The first to help anybody in trouble. She was an absolute joy. Always humour. Beautiful look in the eye. A very loving and lovable person.
“The warmth and the humour that was in Vera came from Liz. You can see it. You can’t act that, it’s something in you that comes over. She’s a consummate professional and her comedy timing was brilliant. She was a very, very good professional actress and comedienne.
“The relationship of Jack and Vera was one of the iconic classic partnerships of the street.
“With Jack and Vera particularly and Liz Dawn, I can only think of good things. I cannot think of a bad thing about Liz Dawn. She was a very beautiful human being.”
Julie Goodyear, 75, who played barmaid Bet Lynch until 2003, said: “Such sad news regarding the passing of Liz Dawn. RIP Liz.”
Alan Halsall (Tyrone Dobbs in the show) told how Liz had the cast in stitches during filming. The 35-year-old said: “She was funny without knowing she was funny.
“We laughed so many times on set. Scenes that were never meant to be funny in the script and we were constantly laughing. That was her amazing ability as an actress. That all came from her as a person. She was so well-loved.”
Jennie McAlpine, 33, who plays Fiz Brown added: “Liz had no idea about her own talents.
“She was so humble. This idea of her being a legend, everybody in the country totally agrees with. She did not think that.” Kym Marsh, 41, (the Street’s Michelle Connor) tweeted: “Just heard the terrible news of our lovely Liz Dawn’s passing. I’m so sad. What a wonderful lady. She will be so missed. Love to her family.”
Michael Le Vell, who plays mechanic Kevin Webster, described her as the “matriarch” of the soap. The 52-year-old said: “She took us under her wing and was the mother figure who helped guide us through the show. She did that for me. She’s going to be a big loss to us all.”
Sally Dynevor (Sally Webster) said Liz was a committed charity worker. The 54-year-old added: “Liz was an amazing woman. She was such a giving person who always thought about others before herself. She was an inspiration of how to be in life and I’m going to miss her.”
Barbara Knox, 83, who plays Rita Sullivan, said: “Liz was a joy to work with. You always ended up laughing as she had marvellous comic timing. God Bless her.”
Jeremy Corbyn paid tribute to Labour supporter Liz. He said: “She was a brilliant actress and a true friend of Labour. She was as warm as Betty’s Hotpot and made Vera a Corrie legend. Farewell chuck.”
Labour MP Tracy Brabin, who once starred