Liz Dawn funeral: Coronation Street legends from past and present say ta-ra to Vera Duckworth
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.
Liz, who spent more than three decades playing Vera Duckworth on Corrie, passed away on September 25 after a battle with lung condition emphysema.
Soap bosses let castmembers finish work early today so they could attend the funeral.
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.
The funeral service sheet featured a poignant tribute to Liz
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."
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Corrie stars flocked to pay tribute to Liz and her incredible career.
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.
"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.
TA-RA CHUCK Coronation Street's cast lead emotional tributes to Liz Dawn as Vera Duckworth actress dies aged 77
As part of her role at the British Lung Foundation she piloted the Breathe Easy Week campaign to raise awareness of the reality of lung diseases.
Got a story? email digishowbiz@the-sun.co.uk or call us direct on 02077824220.
We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.