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Liz Dawn who played Coronation Street's Vera Duckworth has died

Liz Dawn, who played Coronation Street’s beloved Vera Duckworth, has died aged 77.

The star – best known for playing Vera on the ITV soap for 34 years – passed away on Monday after a long battle with emphysema.

The TV legend was rushed to hospital earlier this month and struggled with ill health, battling the lung condition in recent years, after leaving the soap in 2008.

A statement from her family said: “We are devastated and heartbroken at the passing of our much-loved wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great grandmother, the incredible Liz Dawn.

“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.”

Liz as Vera, joined Coronation Street in 1974 (REX)
Liz as Vera, joined Coronation Street in 1974 (REX)

Liz was taken to hospital on September 7, and the news that she did not recover from her illness has left her Coronation Street family ‘heartbroken’.

A statement from the ITV soap to Yahoo Celebrity UK reads: “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.

Liz in Coronation Street with Jack Duckworth, Bill Tarmey
Liz in Coronation Street with Jack Duckworth, Bill Tarmey

“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.

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 thirty-four years playing Corrie icon Vera Duckworth will remember her with huge affection.”

Liz died on Monday
Liz died on Monday

Liz had a pacemaker fitted in 2013 after suffering a heart attack while on holiday in Spain.

The star first appeared on Corrie in 1974 and her partnership with the late Bill Tarmey, who played Jack Duckworth was a huge hit with fans for years.

Although her character was killed off in 2000, dying peacefully in her sleep, she made a brief reappearance as a vision to Jack as he passed away in a moving scene which saw them share one last dance.

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