Moment devastated Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield learn of Corrie star Liz Dawn's death live on air

Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield were left shocked after learning live on air that much-loved Coronation Street actress Liz Dawn has died.

Willoughby said she was taken by surprise after the news of Dawn's death broke midway through Tuesday’s This Morning.

Soap correspondent Sharon Marshall made the announcement, to which Willoughby replied: “That is terrible.

“Sometimes these things happen when you’re on air and it really takes you by surprise.”

Schofield added: “Well find a really lovely clip from a brill actress and a truly lovely lady. It’s so horrible.

“We reiterate from the whole team here: Lots of love to her family.”

Tributes poured in from Coronation Street stars who paid their respects to the late actress on Twitter.

Kym Marsh, who starred alongside Dawn for two years, tweeted: “Just heard the terrible news of our lovely Liz Dawns passing. I'm so sad. What a wonderful lady. She will be so missed. Love to her family x.”

Antony Cotton said Manchester “has lost a little of it's sparkle” after the loss of his “brilliant friend”.