Saturday, 15 October 2011

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SAD NEWS Coronation Street barmaid Betty Driver dies

Actress passes away in hospital at 91

Coronation Street is the world's longest running soap

Coronation Street favourite Betty Driver has passed away at the age of 91.

The actress - who originally auditioned for the part of Hilda Ogden - was a favourite in the Manchester soap for 42 years, playing barmaid Betty Williams in the Rovers Return.

She served up meaty Lancashire hotpot on screen but in real life was a vegetarian.

'I love working on the Street because everyone in it is like my family,' Betty told fans.

'I don't want to leave at all - I want to die on set.

'I love working. I can't retire, I won't retire - I never ever will.'

An ITV spokesman has confirmed Betty 'died peacefully in hospital' after a long period of ill health.

She developed a chest infection last year and contracted pneumonia in May.

'It was an honour and a privilege to work with Betty Driver for 25 years,' says Julie Goodyear, who starred as Bet Lynch alongside Betty behind the bar.

'We laughed together, we cried together and never once had a cross word. She was a totally professional actress. A true icon and legend and a very dear friend.'

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