Liz Dawn dead at 77: Watch Liz Dawn’s final appearance on Coronation Street as Vera Duckworth ‘returns from the dead’ to dance with husband Jack
LIZ Dawn’s final appearance on Coronation Street saw her return as the ghost of Vera Duckworth to dance with her on-screen husband Jack one last time.
The moving scenes, which aired in 2010, are particularly poignant now following the actress’ death age 77.
The star – who was a national treasure for playing Vera on the ITV soap - passed away last night after a long battle with lung condition emphysema.
Fans last saw her on the soap when she paid a visit to Jack, played by the late actor Bill Tarmey, before his character passed away.
Liz starred in Corrie from 1974 to 2008 when she requested to be written out of the show due to her ill health - in 2004 she was diagnosed with the incurable lung disease emphysema and had further complications which led her to leave the show.
Her final appearance was on 18 January when she died in her sleep - ending 34 years of the iconic character's stint on the show.
But on 8 November 2010 she made a brief one-off return to the soap for Jack’s final scenes – when he died in the same chair as Vera.
In incredibly moving scenes she appeared as Vera's spirit, who had come to take Jack on his final journey and the pair enjoyed one final dance together.
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.
News of Liz's death came today with a statement from her family that read: "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."
While Liz was best known for her on-screen marriage to Jack Duckworth in real life she was married to her devoted husband Don and she had four children, Graham, Dawn, Ann and Julie.
A statement from Coronation Street: "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."
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