Who was Vera Duckworth and how did she die?

VERA Duckworth was a much-loved fictional character on Coronation Street for over 30 years.

Here we take a look at the life and career of the late star, Liz Dawn, who played the legendary cobbles character.

Who played Vera Duckworth on Coronation Street?

Coronation Street's Vera Duckworth was played by the late Liz Dawn.

Liz had starred in the popular long-running soap for 34 years - after first joining the cobbles in 1974.

She had a recurring role as a factory worker until her husband, Jack Duckworth, (played by Bill Tarmey) first appeared in 1979.

After three decades on the cobbles, Liz quit the soap in 2008.

She did however make a one-off return appearance as Vera in 2010, for the final scenes of her on-screen husband Jack - who passed away in 2012.

Some of the show's biggest stars including Sherrie Hewson, remembered how tough it was to film those scenes.

"They were Mr and Mrs Coronation to me," said Alan Halsall who plays Tyrone Dobbs on the show.

Sherrie added: "You totally and utterly believed those characters existed in real life... you believed they were somebody's next door neighbour."

The pair had become an iconic Corrie couple over the years, and fans across the nation wept as they saw them reunited one final time.

What happened to Vera Duckworth?

Fictional character Vera Duckworth was written out of the soap in 2008.

In Vera's final scenes, Jack returned home from the Rovers Return to find Vera had passed away peacefully in her sleep.

When the paramedics arrived, they explained that Vera had died from heart failure but said that she hadn't experienced any pain.

At the time of her departure Liz said: "It's been an amazing 34 years, I'd like to thank everyone for what has been the best time of my life.''

Who did Vera give her kidney to in Coronation Street?

Also part of the Duckworth family was Vera and Jack's son, Terry Duckworth.

Terry had three sons on the soap - one of which was Paul Clayton.

The Corrie bad boy made regular appearances until leaving Weatherfield in 1987 and made only brief visits in the years following.

In November 2000, Terry returned to the cobbles for yet another visit after discovering that his son Paul needed a kidney transplant.

As a result, Terry offered to be a donor - but for a price.

However, after receiving the money, he fled the cobbles, taking the cash with him - leaving his mother Vera to donate her kidney instead.

Vera went on to have the operation which saved Paul's life, however, it wasn't without complications.

The storyline saw Vera suffer from an allergic reaction as a result of the operation.

The turbulent relationship between Terry Duckworth and mum Vera gripped viewers for decades.

Why did Vera leave Coronation Street?

In 2007, ITV announced that Vera Duckworth was to be written out of the soap.

The decision, made at Liz's request, was due to the health complications.

Her exit from the soap came in the episode screened on January 18, 2008.

How old was Liz Dawn when she died?

Liz passed away at the age of 77, in September 2017, following a long battle with the lung condition, emphysema.

She had been restricted to a wheelchair and had been housebound for weeks before her death.

In a statement at the time, 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."

This was followed by a statement from Coronation Street, which 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.''

Liz leaves behind four children and her husband Donald Ibbetson, who she married in 1965.

Her funeral took place October 6, 2017 in Manchester.

Stars of the soap from past and present attended the service at Salford Cathedral to pay their last respects to the veteran actress.