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Actor, who starred in long-running ITV soap for 34 years, has died at home, her family announces

This article is more than 2 years old

This article is more than 2 years old

Liz Dawn, who played Vera Duckworth in Coronation Street for 34 years, has died aged 77.

A statement from her family said the actor had died peacefully on Monday night. “We are devastated and heartbroken at the passing of our much-loved wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother, the incredible Liz Dawn,” said the family.

“She has been the love, light and inspiration in our lives and we are bereft at her passing.”

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Dawn, whose real name was Sylvia Butterfield, was born in Leeds and first appeared on Coronation Street in 1974. She remained on the ITV soap until 2008, when health problems meant she could no longer be on the show and her character Vera Duckworth died in her sleep.

She returned briefly in 2010 when she famously appeared as a ghost just as her husband Jack died in the same chair as her, and the pair had a final dance.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Liz Dawn at Buckingham Palace in 2000 after being awarded an MBE Photograph: Standard/REX/Shutterstock

A statement from Coronation Street said her fellow actors on the show were heartbroken.

The statement read: “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.”

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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 34 years playing Corrie icon Vera Duckworth will remember her with huge affection.”

Dawn had suffered from the incurable lung disease emphysema since 2004 and in 2013 she revealed her health had deteriorated further after she had a heart attack. She said: “I have only got a third of my lungs now … and I do get so breathless. I can’t walk for more than a few steps without needing my chair so I just go everywhere in it now.”

Dawn married her first husband, Walter Bradley, in Leeds in 1957, and the pair had a son before separating less than two years later. She then married the electrician Donald Ibbertson in 1965 and had three daughters with him. Her first major role came in the 1974 drama Leeds United, which appeared in the BBC’s Play for Today slot, and she was then given a small role in Coronation Street. It wasn’t until her character Vera married Jack Duckworth in 1979 that she became a core character in the soap and the pair’s turbulent but loving relationship proved fruitful for drama.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Dawn, pictured in 2000, had suffered from the incurable lung disease emphysema since 2004. Photograph: ITV/Rex/Shutterstock

In 2000, Dawn was awarded an MBE.

Tracey Brabin, an MP who used to be on Coronation Street, paid tribute to Dawn, saying: “So sad ... the amazing warm hearted, generous and hilarious Liz Dawn has died. Working with Liz and Bill was highlight of my time at Corrie.”



Antony Cotton, who plays Sean Tully in the soap, tweeted: “Liz was a wonderful actress, a fascinating storyteller, a hilarious comedian and most importantly a brilliant friend.”

Kym Marsh, who plays Michelle Connor, wrote: “I’m so sad. What a wonderful lady. She will be so missed.”