ITV said that Betty "died peacefully in hospital" early on Saturday morning. She had been in hospital for six weeks. "She will be sadly missed by everyone who knew her," the spokesman said.
The BBC have a full obituary.
The team here at the Coronation Street Blog will be bringing you Betty tribute posts in the following few days. Very sad news indeed.
Julie Goodyear who played Bet Lynch, said Driver was "the very foundation of the Rovers Return. 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 in the soap, said: "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."
More tributes from Corrie cast members are here.
11 comments:
I read the news when it was just breaking. A true legend. One did hope to see her again onscreen after her long absence, thus not to be. RIP Betty :(
Rip
Another wonderful character gone. So happy for her and for us, the viewers, that she remained in her role till the end.
She was the one constant behind the ever-changing bar and will be missed, particularly by those who have been fans for a long time.
She had a sad life in her early years, but thankfully she didn't let it stop her from becoming the fine actor who brought us all so much pleasure.
I do hope they write out Betty, the character, in a fitting way.
May she rest in peace.
A tribute to the amazing Betty Driver. She was a stalwart of the street and will be sorely missed.
http://www.friendsatrest.com/4867/memorials/betty-driver/
Feel free to add your memories of Betty. Her hotpot and no-nonsense attitude were legendary. RIP.
Betty was what Corrie was all about: strong women with hearts of gold.
I will miss her.
This is extremely sad news. Betty Driver was a wonderful actress who played a legendary character. Rest in peace.
So sad to say goodbye to a truly remarkable woman; the character she created was strong, sympathetic, funny, comforting alternatively cheerful or grumpy, either of which moods would inevitably make me smile. For as long as I've been watching the street, Betty has been there, behind that bar. 'End of an era' is an overused cliche, but in this case, I really feel it's appropriate. God bless her! XXX
RIP Betty from your New Zealand fans. Thank you for your many years of entertainment.
Corry Street won't quite be the same without Betty. We will miss her and the way she could straighten a regular out with just a few words. Sleep well, Betty.
Two Canadian fans..
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