Tributes have been pouring in for the late Coronation Street star Liz Dawn, who has passed away at the age of 77.

Dawn played the role of Vera Duckworth for 34 years on the ITV soap, and the show paid tribute to her with a statement expressing the cast and crew's "greatest sadness" at the news, saying "her family at Coronation Street are heartbroken".

BBC soap EastEnders also expressed its condolences, tweeting, "We are extremely sad to hear of the passing of Liz Dawn, a true soap legend. Our thoughts are with everyone @ITVCorrie."

Coronation Street's longest-serving star, William Roache, led the cast's tributes to their late friend and colleague. 

"Liz Dawn was one of the most beautiful human beings I've ever met," said the actor, who plays Ken Barlow, in an interview with ITV News.

William Roache described Liz Dawn as a "consummate professional" with "brilliant comedy timing"

"She was kind. The first to help anybody in trouble... A very loving and loveable person.

"Even though she's been out of the Street for quite a few years, there's this sense of loss that she's gone.

"The warmth and the humour that was in Vera came from Liz... You can't act that."

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Bruce Jones, who played Les Battersby, posted on social media, "Really sad news about my friend and colleague Liz Dawn. RIP and condolences to the family x."

Kevin Kennedy, who played Curly Watts, said, "Liz Dawn made me laugh every time I was with her, that will be my everlasting memory of her. Sleep well kid."

Kym Marsh, who plays Michelle Connor, shared with her followers, "Just heard the terrible news of our lovely Liz Dawn's passing. I'm so sad. What a wonderful lady. She will be so missed. Love to her family x." 

Antony Cotton, who plays Sean Tully, said that "a light had gone out in Weatherfield a few years ago" with Dawn's departure from the soap, and that with her passing "Manchester, too, has lost a little bit of its sparkle".

Shayne Ward, who plays Corrie's Aidan Connor, simply tweeted, "RIP Liz Dawn."

Tracy Brabin, who played Tricia Armstrong on the soap in the 1990s, said working with Dawn and Bill Tarmey, who played Vera's on-screen husband Jack, was a "highlight" of her time on Corrie.

Charlie Condou, who played Marcus Dent on Corrie, hailed Dawn as a "true icon".

"Vera Duckworth was classic Corrie. Liz Dawn was a wonderful woman. She will be truly missed. A true icon," he said.

Cheryl Fergison, who played EastEnders Heather Trott, thanked Dawn for being "a true legend" tweeting, "Liz Dawn an amazingly talented actress .. giving us comedy & tragic classic scenes from our ever loved Corrie ..a true legend ..Thank you."

Danny Miller, who plays Emmerdale's Aaron Dingle, tweeted, "Devastated to hear about the passing of Liz Dawn. A beautiful soul. Inside and out. Rest in peace."