'Coronation Street's Betty Driver dies aged 91

Coronation Street legend Betty Driver has died aged 91, it has been announced.



The actress, who played Rovers Return barmaid Betty Williams for 42 years, "died peacefully in hospital" early on Saturday morning, an ITV spokesman confirmed. She had been in hospital for six weeks.

Driver, who was appointed an MBE in 1999, had been suffering from ill health since May, when she was admitted to hospital suffering from pneumonia.

She celebrated her 91st birthday at the hospital and later said she was looking forward to returning to Coronation Street.

"I am looking forward to getting back to work. It's lovely in here, but I am looking forward to getting home soon. It's been a wonderful birthday," she said at the time.

"She will be sadly missed by everyone who knew her," the spokesman added.

Fellow Coronation Street star Julie Goodyear, who played Bet Lynch, told the BBC: "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. She will be missed and remembered by millions."

Barbara Knox, who plays Rita Sullivan, added: "I have lost a very dear friend and the Street has lost a very great character, a professional to her fingertips - she will be greatly missed."