Tributes from Corrie cast for Betty Driver

This has got to be one of the saddest days of the Coronation Street Blog's existence. I'm sitting here on the laptop with a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes on hearing the news that Betty Driver has died. 

Tributes are coming in from Corrie cast to Betty, a true legend, and the only person this fan could call a Coronation Street 'star'.

Coronation Street executive producer Kieran Roberts said: "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. For more than four decades she delighted many millions of Coronation Street fans with her fantastic performance in countless great stories both dramatic and comic. Betty was always a delight to work with and whilst there is a great sadness at her passing away Betty will be remembered by everyone on Coronation Street with tremendous admiration and affection."

Simon Gregson, who plays Steve McDonald, said: "I have known Betty since I was 15 years old, we always had a very good relationship and I was fortunate to be one of her friends and I am going to miss her."

We all will.