Betty Driver - Street icon

CORONATION Street icon Betty Driver passed away in hospital after an prolonged illness last Saturday.  She was 91 years old.  The ITV soap dedicated its episodes on Monday evening to the actress, who graced our TV screens for 42 years, appearing in over 2,000 episodes.

Betty Driver - 20 May 1920 - 15 October 2011

     Driver played Betty Williams in the show, with her main role being a long-serving barmaid in the Rovers Return.  She will always be remembered for Betty’s Hotpot; quite possibly the most famous dish in soap opera history.  She was awarded an MBE for her services to the show in 2000.  Betty had been admitted to hospital in May after suffering from pneumonia.  She had hoped to return to work after her 91^st birthday in the summer, but sadly, it wouldn’t happen.  Current Corrie producer Phil Collinson told ITV’s This Morning programme on Monday ‘that he would give Betty a proper and well-deserved send-off on the show.’

     Here is a selection of tributes from Coronation Street cast and crew members, both past and present;

Kieran Roberts (Executive producer); “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.  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.”  

Katherine Kelly (plays 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.”

Julie Goodyear (played 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 crossword.  She was a totally professional actress.  A true icon and legend and a very dear friend, she will be missed and remembered by millions.”

William Roache (plays 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 more so as a warm and loving person.”

The Street will never be the same without Betty Driver and her hotpot, one of the original ladies of Weatherfield will always be remembered and never forgotten by any fan of Coronation Street.

RIP Betty Driver (20 May 1920 – 15 October 2011)