Elizabeth Dawn

Elizabeth Dawn MBE (born 8th November, 1939) is a British actress who achieved iconic status for her role in Coronation Street as gobby Vera Duckworth, a part she played from 1974 to 2008. Liz had appeared on the programme numerous times prior to her casting as Vera as a background extra. Together with screen husband William Tarmey, Jack and Vera entertained the nation for almost three decades together (the part of Jack was not cast until 1979).

Liz was diagnosed with the lung condition emphysema in 2004, brought on by the actresses cigarette habit (Vera herself was seen smoking in almost all of her Street scenes for many years), but she continued to work on the show, albeit in a reduced role. With her health deteriorating, Liz decided the leave the Street after nearly 34 years, and her final appearance was with Bill Tarmey in a moving death scene in January 2008.

Liz was made Lady Mayoress of Leeds in 2000, and was awarded the MBE that same year. Her other television credits include Open All Hours and Z Cars.