Liz Dawn dead: Coronation Street star, who played Vera Duckworth, dies aged 77

The actress, who endured a long battle with emphysema, starred in the ITV soap for 34 years

‘We have been blessed to have Liz in our lives,’ ITV said in a statement

Coronation Street star Liz Dawn – who played character Vera Duckworth for 34 years – has passed away at the age of 77 after a long battle with lung condition emphysema.

Dawn joined the ITV soap in 1974 and comprised half of one of soap's most iconic couples alongside Bill Tarmey who played her on-screen husband Jack Duckworth. She returned in 2010 for a one-off appearance to mark Tarmey's final scenes.

The actress was said to have been housebound and restricted to a wheelchair in the weeks before her death.

Her family released a statement saying: “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.”

The team behind ITV soap Coronation Street also released a statement: “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's executive producer Kieran Roberts added: “Liz Dawn was a true Coronation Street legend, a brilliant actor and a wonderful person.

“Everyone lucky enough to have worked with Liz during her thirty-four years playing Corrie icon Vera Duckworth will remember her with huge affection.”