Pooka
01-18-08, 04:50 PM
Veteran Coronation Street character Vera Duckworth is to make her final appearance in the soap opera during tonight's episode.
Vera, who has been played by actress Liz Dawn since 1974, meets a tragic end as she prepares to retire to Blackpool with husband Jack.
Three different death scenes were written, with the final end filmed under tight security.
Dawn, 68, is retiring because she suffers from chronic lung disease.
'Wonderful woman'
She said: "I have had 33 marvellous years in Coronation Street and will miss everyone very much.
"It was very emotional filming Vera's death scenes but I do think it was the right decision for the character."
Actor Bill Tarmey, who has played her husband Jack for almost 30 years, called Dawn a "wonderful woman".
"We have never had a cross word. She only left a few weeks ago but I already miss walking on set and seeing her there and I miss working with her."
Together, the pair have become one of the most enduring soap opera partnerships, which will end with Jack tearfully watching funeral directors taking away Vera's body.
Vera's early years in Coronation Street revolved around work at the factory with friends including Ivy Tilsley.
While her marriage to Jack was often stormy, her only son Terry caused her no end of heartache, culminating in his sale of her grandson Tommy.
Her high point came when the Duckworths temporarily took charge of the Rovers pub.
Source (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7195499.stm)
Vera, who has been played by actress Liz Dawn since 1974, meets a tragic end as she prepares to retire to Blackpool with husband Jack.
Three different death scenes were written, with the final end filmed under tight security.
Dawn, 68, is retiring because she suffers from chronic lung disease.
'Wonderful woman'
She said: "I have had 33 marvellous years in Coronation Street and will miss everyone very much.
"It was very emotional filming Vera's death scenes but I do think it was the right decision for the character."
Actor Bill Tarmey, who has played her husband Jack for almost 30 years, called Dawn a "wonderful woman".
"We have never had a cross word. She only left a few weeks ago but I already miss walking on set and seeing her there and I miss working with her."
Together, the pair have become one of the most enduring soap opera partnerships, which will end with Jack tearfully watching funeral directors taking away Vera's body.
Vera's early years in Coronation Street revolved around work at the factory with friends including Ivy Tilsley.
While her marriage to Jack was often stormy, her only son Terry caused her no end of heartache, culminating in his sale of her grandson Tommy.
Her high point came when the Duckworths temporarily took charge of the Rovers pub.
Source (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7195499.stm)