Coronation Street legend Betty Driver dies
Coronation Street actress Betty Driver, known to millions as barmaid Betty Turpin, has died.
Driver, who first appeared on the popular ITV soap in 1969, passed away peacefully in hospital this morning. She was 91.
She had already been in showbusiness for more than 40 years, touring the UK as a singer by the age of 12.
Driver was appointed an MBE in 1999.
The popular actress had originally auditioned for the role of Hilda Ogden in 1964 but was later persuaded to come out of retirement to audition for the role of Betty. She appeared in more than 2,800 episodes.
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An ITV spokesman said: "She will be sadly missed by everyone who knew her."
Barbara Knox, who plays Rita in the soap, described Driver as 'a professional to her fingertips'.
She added: "I have lost a very dear friend and the Street has lost a very great character."
Simon Gregson, better known as Steve McDonald, said: "I was fortunate to be one of her friends and I am going to miss her."
Even though she was best known for her famous hotpots, Driver had never tasted the dish because she did not eat meat.
RIP Betty. A truly lovely
RIP Betty. A truly lovely lady and a terrific actor who will be missed by the millions who grew up watching you. Coronation Street has lost one of its jems.
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