Coronation Street stars and fans pay tribute at Liz Dawn funeral
Coronation Street stars Samia Longchambon and Alan Halsall gave an emotional tribute to Liz Dawn at her funeral on Friday.
Both needed comforting as they talked about Dawn's generosity to them after the two joined the cast of the Manchester-based soap.
Longchambon, who plays Maria Connor, broke into tears as she told those gathered: "Liz was undoubtedly a wonderful, kind, funny and considerate person, and someone whose generosity knew no bounds."
Then Halsall, Tyrone Dobbs in the soap, needed consoling as he spoke of Dawn's dedication to her family and her "devoted" husband Don.
Longchambon told mourners how "our beloved friend Liz Dawn" went from "humble, working class roots in Leeds" to become a "national icon".
She said: "Her formidable partnership with Bill Tarmey is etched forever in the programme's history as over three decades they entertained us with their incredible wit and legendary Duckworth sparring matches, written so beautifully and enhanced by their gutsy, honest performances.
"Liz was always a force to be reckoned with and someone we all looked up to and admired.
"A doting mother-of-four, she used her celebrity status to make the world a better place.
"She wanted to share her good fortune with everyone and was the first to help charities that sought her patronage and support."
Members of the cast gathered to remember their friend and colleague Dawn.
The actress, who endeared herself to millions as Vera Duckworth in the long-running soap, died at home on last Monday. She was 77.
Helen Worth, who starred as Gail Platt, and Nigel Pivaro, who played Liz's on-screen son Terry Duckworth, were among those gathering at Salford Cathedral to pay their respects.
Michael Le Vell, who plays Kevin Webster and Kym Marsh, who plays Michelle Connor were among the attendees.
Bruce Jones, who formerly played cabbie Les Battersby, paid tribute in a message posted on Twitter as he made his way to the service.
The funeral cortege arrived at the cathedral shortly before 2pm.
Dawn's husband Don Ibbetson was in tears as he arrived for the service.
Floral tributes, including one spelling out the word "Mum", were placed on and around the coffin in the hearse.
The wooden coffin was blessed before being carried into the cathedral, with family members following behind.
Dawn, who landed the role of Duckworth in 1974, spent 34 years on the show’s famous cobbled streets, finding fame as part of an on-screen couple alongside Jack, played by the late Bill Tarmey.
The actress was written out of the show in 2008 after being diagnosed with lung disease emphysema. Her final role was a 2015 appearance in Emmerdale.
In a statement announcing her death, Dawn’s family called her the "love, light and inspiration in our lives."
The funeral, which is scheduled to start at 2pm, will be followed by a private family committal.