We’re very sad to report that Coronation Street legend Betty Driver has passed away at the age of 91.
Betty – who played Rovers Return barmaid Betty Williams for 42 years – died peacefully after a six-week hospital stay. She has been in ill-health since May this year, when she was admitted to hospital with pneumonia.
Our thoughts are with Betty’s family and friends at this very sad time.
Tributes to Betty have come pouring in from Coronation Street stars who worked with her over the year - we’ve include a few for you to read. You can leave your our own tributes to Betty in the comments section below.
Julie Goodyear (Bet Lynch): "It was an honour and a privilege to work with Betty Driver for 25 years. 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. The very foundation of 'The Rovers Return'. She will be missed and remembered by millions."
Kym Marsh (Michelle Connor): "Such a sad day. Betty we will miss you so much, a legend and an amazing lady. Loved so much by so many people. God bless xxx.”
Katherine Kelly (Becky McDonald): "Our Betty - the true and constant Queen of The Rovers. The most famous street in the Kingdom will never be the same now you are gone, but those sparkling eyes and cheeky laugh will live with me forever."
Helen Worth (Gail Platt): "Our dearest Betty was loved by all she met, and will be sadly missed by all the cast and everyone working on the 'Street'. The legacy she leaves is of laughter and love. The Rovers will not be the same without our adorable Betty."
Jennie McAlpine (Fiz Stape): "Betty. What a lady. What a life. Wonderful to have known her xx"
Helen Flanagan (Rosie Webster): "Just heard that Betty Driver has died. Absolute legend. She will be so missed x Thoughts are with Mark Hudson who was also very close x"
Antony Cotton (Sean Tully): "Today is a very sad day. I am devastated. We've lost our Betty. She was one of the funniest people I've ever met and definitely the kindest. I will miss her so much. Her star shone bright and long. Sweet dreams, Duck."
Charlie Condou (Marcus Dent): "Very sad to hear our wonderful Betty Driver has passed away. A true Corrie legend. She will be missed #ripbetty"
Graeme Hawley (John Stape): "Bless you Betty. A truly beautiful person. #RIPBetty xxxxxxxxxxx"
Julie Hesmondhalgh (Hayley Cropper): "Just adding mine to the chorus of voices saying farewell to our Betty. They don't make em like you anymore. Feel so lucky to have known you."
Vicky Entwistle (Janice Battersby): "I send you a tender kiss & huge cuddle Miss Driver!Amazing talented Lady with an enormous heart. Enjoy your catch up with Freda & Maggie.x"
Simon Gregson (Steve McDonald): "I have known Betty since I was 15 years old, we always had a very good relationship. I was fortunate to be one of her friends and I am going to miss her."
Richard Fleeshman (Craig Harris): "So sad to hear about Betty Driver. Such a lovely lady. She will be missed."
Jonathan Harvey (Coronation Street scriptwriter): "RIP Betty Driver, Amazing woman, will be missed by so many."
Chris Fountain (Tommy Duckworth): "So sad to hear about betty, I didn't work with her for long but what an amazing woman, so friendly, a true legend and pro.. Rest in peace x."
Julia Haworth (Claire Peacock): "The definition of a remarkable lady. Betty Driver. Enormous talent, enormous fun. Rest in Peace sweetheart x."
Kieran Roberts (Coronation Street's executive producer): "Betty was a wonderful actress and remarkable woman. It is humbling to think that the 42 years she spent on Coronation Street was just half of her extraordinary career, but Coronation Street certainly benefited when she decided to join our show in 1969.