CORRIE LEGEND
Tributes paid to actress who won hearts of nation as Vera Duckworth
brilliant and guided us so much as young actors, both on-screen and off because she was such a beautiful person.”
Kym Marsh, 41, who plays Michelle Connor, posted on Twitter: “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.”
In March 2004, former heavy smoker Liz, who started her habit when she was just 14, was diagnosed with emphysema and was forced to retire when her condition worsened three years later.
She was written out of the soap at her own request when her condition deteriorated in 2007. In scenes aired in January 2008, 12million viewers tuned in as factory worker Vera died peacefully in her sleep.
Leeds-born Liz, who was awarded an MBE in 2000, returned to the soap two years later as an apparition to Jack in poignant scenes as he died in the same chair his late wife had passed away in.
The bickering but loyal couple danced one final time together as Vera arrived to take his spirit away.
Tarmey died, aged 71, in 2012, with Liz paying tribute to the “lovely man and a true gentleman” who she considered her best friend.
Michael Le Vell, 52, who starred alongside Liz for almost three decades as Kevin Webster, described her as the “matriarch” of the soap, adding: “She took us under her wing and was the mother figure who helped guide us through the show. She’s going to be a big loss to us all.”
Sally Lindsay, who plays Shelley Unwin, described Liz as “kind, funny, strong, hard working and inspirational”.
Sally Dynevor, 54, who plays Sally Webster, added: “Liz was an amazing woman. She achieved so much in her life through her role in Coronation Street and her charity work. She was such a giving person who always thought about other people before herself.”
Barbara Knox, 83, who plays Rita Sullivan, added: “Liz has been sorely missed since she left Coronation Street. She was a joy to work with and we all enjoyed scenes with her. You always ended up laughing as she had marvellous comic timing.” Beverley Callard, who p l ay e d June Dewhurst and Liz McDonald, added: “Liz was a darling of a person and the created one of my favourite characters of all time. She was one of the kindest people I have ever met.” The ITV soap’s Executive Producer Kieran Roberts said: “Liz Dawn was a true Coronation Street legend, a brilliant actor and a wonderful person.”