Legendary Coronation Street actress Liz Dawn has died

Much loved Coronation Street actress Liz Dawn, known for playing Vera Duckworth in the popular TV soap, has died aged 77.

In a statement released by ITV on behalf of her family it says they they are 'devastated and heartbroken at the passing of our much-loved wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great grandmother, the incredible Liz Dawn.'

Read the full statement from her family below:

'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.'

Liz had played Coronation Street’s Vera Duckworth for 34 years leaving the series in 2008, however she was still very much a respected member of the Coronation Street family. On hearing the sad news Coronation Street released the following 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.

A statement on behalf of ITV and Coronation Street’s Executive Producer, Kieran Roberts said,

'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.'

Liz received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2008 British Soap Awards and was made an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours in 2000.