Actress Liz Dawn, who played Vera Duckworth in Coronation Street, dies peacefully at home after battling illness

One of Britain's best-loved soap actresses, Liz Dawn, who played Vera Duckworth in Coronation Street for 30 years has died, her family confirmed today.

The former soap star passed away peacefully aged 77 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,” they said.

“Liz died peacefully last night at home with her loving family around her.

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

Dawn played Vera for three decades on the Corrie cobbles alongside Bill Tarmey who played her long-suffering husband Jack.

The bickering duo went on to become one of soap's best-loved couples thanks to their funny interactions and fiery arguments over extramarital affairs.

Show bosses paid tribute to Dawn following the news of her death, saying she “will forever be a true Coronation Street legend”.

The statement read: “It is with the greatest sadness that we have learned our beloved Liz Dawn has passed away last night. Her family at Coronation Street are heartbroken.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathy at this very sad time to Liz’s devoted husband Don, her loving children Graham, Dawn, Ann and Julie, their families and her six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

“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.”

Bouts of ill health forced Dawn to retire from the soap in 2008 when her character died in her sleep. She briefly returned in 2010 when she played her own ghost as Jack bowed out.

The actress, who was made an MBE in the 2000 Queens Birthday Honours, suffered from emphysema and was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) over a decade ago.

She was named a Celebrity Ambassador for the British Lung Foundation in 2009 to raise awareness of the disease.

In 2013 she had a pacemaker fitted after collapsing on holiday in Spain after a heart attack . At the time she said: “I have only made one plan for 2013. To make sure I am alive this time next year.”

Earlier this year she was forced to miss her grandson's wedding over ongoing heart concerns.