CORONATION STREET - VERA DUCKWORTH BOWS OUT OF CORRIE IN EMOTIONAL DEATH SCENE

VERA DUCKWORTH BOWS OUT OF CORRIE IN EMOTIONAL DEATH SCENE

Liz Dawn's 33-year association with Coronation Street has come to an end with the unexpected death of her character Vera Duckworth.

Vera, who the actress has played since the 1970s, was due to be written out of the show because of Dawn's ill-health, but fans had been kept guessing as to the manner of her exit.

Three different endings had been filmed to keep viewers guessing.

The estimated 12.5 million people who tuned into ITV1 last night watched Vera die in her sleep as she sat in her armchair.

Husband Jack, played by Bill Tarmey, was not by his wife's side for her last moments as he had stepped out for a drink at the Rovers Return.

Dawn, who was awarded an MBE in 2000, announced last year she was leaving Corrie due to chronic lung disease.

"It was very emotional filming Vera's death scenes but I do think it was the right decision for the character," she explained.

"I have had 33 marvellous years in Coronation Street and will miss everyone very much."

And Tarmey, who is set to stay on in the soap, described his co-star as a "wonderful woman".

"We have never had a cross word," he said. She only left a few weeks ago but I already miss walking on set and seeing her there and I miss working with her."