Following the sad news yesterday of Betty Driver's passing, the cast of Coronation Street have been paying their respects to the Rovers Return legend.
The actress, 91, who played barmaid Betty Williams for 42 years, had been suffering from ill health since May, when she was admitted to hospital suffering from pneumonia.
It is clear that Betty, known on the soap for her famous hot-pot, was loved by the public and cast-mates alike. Many of her Weatherfield friends and colleagues have taken to Twitter and other media outlets to express their sadness at the loss of a dear friend.
Bill Roache (Ken Barlow): "I loved Betty dearly, she was not only a colleague, she was a friend and godmother to my son James. She will be missed in the Street but she will be missed moreso as a warm and loving person."
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."
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."
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."
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."
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."
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"
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."
