THE stars of Coronation Street gathered for Liz Dawn's funeral in Manchester today to say goodbye to the soap legend.
Famous faces from the soap fought back tears as they turned out for the service at Salford Cathedral to honour the veteran actress, who died last month aged 77.
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Helen Worth, who played Vera Duckworth's former warehouse co-worker Gail Rodwell, was among the early arrivalsCredit: Getty Images - Getty
Liz, who spent more than three decades playing Vera Duckworth on Corrie, passed away on September 25 after a battle with lung condition emphysema.
Stars of the soap from past and present headed to the service to pay their last respects to the veteran actress, and they looked emotional as they left the cathedral.
Helen Worth, who plays Gail Rodwell, was among those who looked to be fighting back tears after the heartbreaking memorial.
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Helen looked emotional as she left the building after the funeralCredit: Rex Features
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The funeral service sheet featured a poignant tribute to Liz
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An image of the actress in her youth graced the back coverCredit: Splash News
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Samia Longchambon, who plays Maria Connor, was comforted by her ice dancer husband SylvainCredit: Getty Images - Getty
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She looked distraught at the end of the afternoonCredit: PA:Press Association
Nigel Pivaro, who played Liz's onscreen son Terry Duckworth, was among the first to arrive at the service.
The soaps' most recognisable stars headed to the funeral today including Michelle Connor actress Kym Marsh.
Samia Longchambon, who plays Maria Connor, arrived with her ice dancer husband Sylvain, who was seen comforting her afterwards.
Michael Le Vell turned up with his onscreen ex-wife Sally Dynevor, who play Kevin Webster and Sally Metcalfe on the show, and they both looked devastated after they left the church.
The current Dean of the Cathedral, Father Michael Jones, officiated alongside Father Curley.
A private family committal was due to take place following the service.
Liz’s relatives requested that donations be made in her memory to the British Lung Foundation and Breast Cancer Care UK.
Samia was among the stars who took to the podium to give a eulogy and she made a moving speech about working with Liz.
The actress said: "Liz was always a force to be reckoned with and someone we all looked up to and admired.
"Liz was undoubtedly a wonderful, kind, funny and considerate person and someone whose generosity knew no bounds.
"Liz was an incredibly special lady and her legacy will go on.
"She touched our lives and made a difference and for that reason we are truly grateful for her."
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Sally Dynevor and Michael Le Vell, better known as Sally Metcalfe and Kevin Webster, looked devastated after the serviceCredit: Getty Images - Getty
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Lucy-Jo Hudson, who played Katy Harris, gave Liz's husband Donald a hugCredit: Rex Features
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Helen was among the mourners at the service todayCredit: Wenn.com
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Samia arrived with her ice dancer husband SylvainCredit: Rex Features
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The couple looked sombre as they headed to the venueCredit: Rex Features
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Samir held onto her flowers as she got off the busCredit: PA:Press Association
Alan Halsall, who played Vera Duckworth's 'surrogate' son Tyrone Dobbs, also spoke during the service.
He remembered his onscreen mum as a a true "inspiration".
The actor said: "Liz could talk to anyone and always treated everyone the same, which was absolutely part of her charm...
"One of the reasons we loved her all the more.
"Liz was a true inspiration and always so generous with her time, but she never expected anything in return.
"She also had no idea how much she was loved or how funny she was and she'd have been totally overwhelmed by the outpouring of love these last couple of weeks.
"This really wouldn't be a tribute to Liz without ending it the way she ended all of her conversations with me and Samia and that is simply...
"I love you."
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Alan Halsall, who played Vera Duckworth's son Tyrone, attended with his wife Lucy-Jo HudsonCredit: Getty Images - Getty
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The couple clung onto each other outside the cathedralCredit: Getty Images - Getty
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Alan gave a moving eulogy during the service and remembered Liz as an inspirationCredit: PA:Press Association
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Sally Ann Matthews, who plays Jenny Bradley, looked windswept as she leftCredit: Rex Features
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Samia held hands with another mournerCredit: Getty Images - Getty
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Kym Marsh, who stars as Michelle Connor, looked elegant in her all-black outfit and heelsCredit: Getty Images - Getty
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Jack P. Shepherd, who portrays David Platt, could not hide his upsetCredit: PA:Press Association
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Sean Tully actor Anthony Cotton was emotional outside the churchCredit: Getty Images - Getty
As well as the show's current stars, there were also plenty of famous faces from times gone by.
Ex castmember Bruce Jones, who played Les Battersby, was seemingly reunited with his onscreen daughters Jane Danson [Leanne Battersby] and Georgia Taylor, who returned last year as Toyah Battersby.
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Liz's real life husband Donald Ibbetson broke down as the coffin was brought inCredit: Mercury Press
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Liz's distressed husband Donald Ibbetson was consoled by friends and family outsideCredit: Getty Images - Getty
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Donald looked deeply upset as he paid his last respects to his late wifeCredit: Getty Images - Getty
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He was consoled by his loved onesCredit: PA:Press Association
Liz's real life husband Donald Ibbetson led mourners at the funeral and he was seen breaking down outside the church as the coffin was brought in.
He sobbed outside the venue as his friends and family rushed to comfort him.
Other stars at the service included Alan Halsall, who played Vera Duckworth's son Tyrone, and wife Lucy-Jo Hudson, who played Katy Harris.
Anthony Cotton was there along with Roy Cropper actor David Neilson.
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The cathedral attracted the cream of the soap world todayCredit: PA:Press Association
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Liz was soap royalty and was given a good send-offCredit: PA:Press Association
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Shobna Gulati, who played Sunita Alahan, looked upset on her way inCredit: PA:Press Association
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She was on the soap from 2001 until 2006Credit: PA:Press Association
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Alison King, who plays Carla Connor, clutched her service sheet as she walked out with Jane Danson, who plays Leanne BattersbyCredit: Rex Features
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Roy Cropper actor David Neilson greeted a pal after the serviceCredit: Rex Features
Nigel Pivaro, who played Liz Dawn's onscreen son Terry Duckworth, was among the first at the church.
Tony was seen carrying a white rose in his hand along with a copy of the funeral's order of service, which revealed it would be starting with famous hymn Here I Am, Lord.
The stars of Corrie were allowed to leave the set at midday so they could all be in Salford for the afternoon memorial service, conducted by Father Brendan Curley, former Dean of Salford Cathedral.
TV bosses had arranged a coach to bus the castmembers to the church for the service.
They all met at the studios before boarding their transport to Salford Cathedral, with Tina O'Brien, who plays Sarah Platt, and Michael Le Vell [Kevin Webster] both being spotted before heading off.
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Nigel Pivaro, who played Liz Dawn's onscreen son Terry Duckworth, was among the first at the churchCredit: PA:Press Association
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Bruce Jones, who spent years playing Les Battersby, could not hide his sadnessCredit: Getty Images - Getty
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He looked distraught has he headed into the cathedralCredit: Getty Images - Getty
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The actor struggled to hide his emotionsCredit: Rex Features
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Bruce was seen leaving the funeral alone looking very upsetCredit: Rex Features
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The actor was all by himself as he left the cathedral this afternoonCredit: Rex Features
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The coffin was carried out of the cathedralCredit: Rex Features
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."
While Liz was best known for her on-screen marriage to Jack Duckworth (played by the late Bill Tarmey) in real life she was married to her devoted husband Don and she had four children, Graham, Dawn, Ann and Julie.
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Jennie McAlpine was seen leaving at the end of the service behind Anthony CottonCredit: Getty Images - Getty
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Kym Marsh made a dignified exitCredit: Getty Images - Getty
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She looked emotional at the end of the memorial serviceCredit: Getty Images - Getty
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The former singer hung on to her order of serviceCredit: Getty Images - Getty
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Kym looked sad as she headed in wearing a black suitCredit: Rex Features
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The actress wore her hair down and added a plain black suitCredit: Getty Images - Getty
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Kym was among the famous faces mingling at the serviceCredit: PA:Press Association
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The actress looked stunning in a long black coatCredit: Zenpix
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The pair are longtime friends and arrived at the service togetherCredit: Rex Features
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The pair played a couple in the soap for yearsCredit: PA:Press Association
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Micheal hid his eyes behind dark sunglasses but he still looked devastatedCredit: Getty Images - Getty
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.
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The actress was on Corrie for more than three decadesCredit: Rex Features
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Vera Duckworth was one of the soap's best-loved charactersCredit: Rex Features
"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.
Corrie stars flocked to pay tribute to Liz and her incredible career.
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She was remembered with a special tribute on Corrie after her death last monthCredit: ITV
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Helen tried to put on a brave faceCredit: SWNS:South West News Service
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Anthony Cotton, who plays factory worker Sean Tully, posted a sweet tribute to Liz after her deathCredit: Getty Images - Getty
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David Neilson, who plays Vera's former co-worker Roy Cropper, followed his co-stars into the venueCredit: PA:Press Association
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The actor looked smart in a black suit - a big change from Roy's usual attireCredit: PA:Press Association
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Alison King, who plays Carla Connor, also wore a black trouser suit for the sad occasionCredit: Rex Features
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The actress looked windswept as she went indoorsCredit: Getty Images - Getty
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Ken Morley, who plays Cobbles veteran Reg Holdsworth, wrapped up warm in a big coatCredit: Getty Images - Getty
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He braved the wintery temperatures in Salford todayCredit: Rex Features
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The veteran actor/comedian put on a brave face at the funeralCredit: PA:Press Association
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The word 'mum' was spelt out in flowers at the back of the hearseCredit: Rex Features
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The coffin was laden with floral tributesCredit: PA:Press Association
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It was an emotional moment as the pallbearers took the coffin insideCredit: PA:Press Association
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The funeral was held in the heart of Salford at 2pmCredit: SWNS:South West News Service
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Friends and family gathered to say goodbye to the actressCredit: SWNS:South West News Service
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Sally Ann Matthews, who plays Jenny Bradley , was upset before the serviceCredit: PA:Press Association
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Jane Danson, who plays Leanne Battersby, wore a black skirt, thick tights and bootsCredit: Rex Features
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Georgia Taylor, who returned as Toyah Battersby last year, headed in along with her onscreen sister JaneCredit: Rex Features
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David Platt actor Jack P. Shepherd was among the mourners todayCredit: Rex Features
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Jennie McAlpine, who plays Fiz Brown, joined the other actors at the venueCredit: Rex Features
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She looked downcast as she entered the venue on her ownCredit: Getty Images - Getty
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Jane Danson looked chilly in her funeral-wearCredit: PA:Press Association
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Jack kept his head down as he walked into the historic buildingCredit: PA:Press Association
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Connor McIntyre, who plays villainous Pat Phelan, carried a bottle of waterCredit: PA:Press Association
Kym Marsh, who plays Michelle Connor in the soap said: "Just heard the terrible news of our lovely Liz Dawn's passing. I'm so sad. What a wonderful lady. She will be so missed. Love to her family."
Anthony Cotton, who plays Sean Tully, added: "I'm devastated. Liz was a wonderful actress, a fascinating storyteller, a hilarious comedian and most importantly a brilliant friend.
"For many people of my generation, Jack and Vera WERE Coronation Street. I'm thinking about Don and all thier family who Liz adored.
"A light had gone out in Weatherfield a few years ago, but now Manchester too has lost a little bit of its sparkle."
Beverley Callard, who played Liz McDonald alongside Vera, said: "Liz was a darling of a person and the created one of my favourite characters of all time.
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Peter Barlow actor Chris Gascoyne looked miserable as he entered the cathedralCredit: PA:Press Association
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Sally wrapped up warm in a long black coatCredit: Rex Features
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Helen tried to stay positive by flashing a weak smile to the camerasCredit: PA:Press Association
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The actress, 66, looked tired as she headed indoorsCredit: Getty Images - Getty
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Sally and Michael stuck together at the serviceCredit: PA:Press Association
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Tina O'Brien, who plays Sarah Platt, was seen at the Corrie set before heading to the funeralCredit: Mercury Press
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Michael Le Vell, who plays Kevin Webster, was also spotted at the studios before the serviceCredit: Mercury Press
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The Corrie cast boarded a bus to all go to the funeral togetherCredit: Mercury Press
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Shobna Gulati looked serious as she left the churchCredit: Getty Images - Getty
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Actor Sean Wilson, who plays Martin Platt, was seen walking down the stepsCredit: Rex Features
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Sam Aston, who plays Chesney Brown, struggled to contain his emotionCredit: Getty Images - Getty
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Alan played Liz's onscreen son Tyrone for yearCredit: Getty Images - Getty
"She was one of the kindest people I have ever met and my thoughts are with her wonderful family. She will be sorely missed."
Liz was in Coronation Street for 34 years - after first joining in 1974 - before quitting the cobbles through ill-health in 2008.
She became a charity campaigner in 2009, being named a Celebrity Ambassador for the British Lung Foundation to raise awareness of her disease.
Liz also worked tirelessly to raise awareness of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) after being diagnosed with the condition herself.
