The stars of ‘Coronation Street’ have paid tribute to their former co-star Liz Dawn, following the news of the actress’s death.
Liz, who was best known for playing Vera Duckworth for more than 30 years on the ITV soap, passed away on Monday evening after a long battle with the lung condition, emphysema, at the age of 77.
The family of the actress, who left the ITV soap in 2008, announced the news in a statement on Tuesday morning.
The cast of ‘Corrie’ have since taken time out from filming to individually pay tribute to Liz in a series of emotional messages.
Some of those remembering Liz worked with her for the duration of her three-decade stint on the soap, including Rita Tanner actress Barbara Knox, who praised her “comic timing”.
‘Corrie’ legend Julie Goodyear, who played the iconic Bet Lynch, sent her “sincere condolences” to Liz’s family.
While many of the newer cast members also paid tribute, including Samia Longchambon, who remembered her “close friend” as “one of the most funny, kind and genuine people I have ever known.”
Here are those ‘Corrie’ tributes in full...
Julie Goodyear
“Such sad news regarding the passing of Liz Dawn. I send my sincere condolences to her family. RIP Liz. My love. Miss Julie Goodyear MBE”
Barbara Knox
“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. God Bless her.”
Antony Cotton
“I’m devastated. Liz was a wonderful actress, a fascinating storyteller, a hilarious comedian and most importantly a brilliant friend. For many people of my generation, Jack and Vera WERE Coronation Street. I’m thinking about Don and all their family who Liz adored. A light had gone out in Weatherfield a few years ago, but now Manchester too, has lost a little of it’s sparkle.”
Beverley Callard
“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 and my thoughts are with her wonderful family. She will be sorely missed.”
Helen Worth
“Vera was one of the greatest characters Coronation Street has known, to the cast Liz Dawn was the kindest and gentlest of ladies. She will be sadly missed and fondly remembered.”
Michael Le Vell
“I feel for Don and Liz’s family at this very sad time. The nation are also going to feel this too. Liz and Bill were the foundations on which Coronation Street has been built upon. They had an amazing connection between them as Jack and Vera. For anyone young who joined the show Liz was the matriarch. 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.”
Sue Nicholls
“I feel so lucky that I was able to work with dear Liz. Two minutes in her company on screen and off was a total joy. Bless you dear Lis, love and condolences to Don and your lovely family.”
Sally Dynevor
“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. She was an inspiration of how to be in life and I’m going to miss her.”
Jennie McAlpine
“If ever there was an actress that I wanted to be like most, it would be LIz Dawn. Every time we met she asked after everyone. She was genuinely interested in how everyone was doing. I’ll miss her asking how I am. She was loved by us all.”
Simon Gregson
“Liz was a warm very funny lovely lady who loved everyone she worked with,it was a huge honour to work with her but more so no her as a friend. She touched the hearts of everyone she met and gave so much back with her charity work. She will be missed so much. Night god bless lovely Liz.”
Andrew Whyment
“Liz was a beautiful woman inside and out and a fantastic actress Vera will always be an iconic Coronation Street character RIP lovely lady.”
Sally Ann Matthews
“Liz was a wonderful actress and a fabulous lady. You always knew when she was in the building, she had a presence. When I bought my first home, Liz gave me some money to ‘buy something nice and stick it on the wall.’ I bought a painting of The Lady of Shalott and think of her every time I look at it.”
Samia Longchambon
“I feel lucky that Liz has been in my life and to have called her a close friend. She has been a big part of my life for such a long time. She was one of the most funny, kind and genuine people I have ever known and I will miss her so much.”
Kev Kennedy
“It’s very sad that we have lost Liz Dawn, the biggest tribute I can give to her is simply at the mention of her name immediately makes me smile because she always did , love to Don and her family.”