[Scarlett.]

Corrie's Vera to die in New Year storyline

Coronation Street's Vera Duckworth is to die in a tear-jerking New Year plotline, it has been revealed.

Liz Dawn – who has played Vera for 33 years – will film her final scenes with the ITV soap at the end of the year.

Three alternative death scenes have been written, but filming of only one script will take place in a closed-set environment and viewers will only learn of her fate when the episode airs in January.

The decision to kill off such an iconic character came after long, extensive meetings between Corrie's executive producer Kieran Roberts, producer Steve Frost and Liz herself.

It was decided that an emotional and dramatic finale for the character would be far more justifiable than her leaving the Street and returning for the odd re-appearance throughout the ensuing years.

Of the decision, Steve Frost said: "After discussions with Liz Dawn we have settled on a heart-breaking exit story which will see Vera leave Coronation Street in 2008.

"Liz's contribution to Coronation Street has been quite remarkable. She has played Vera, one of the most-loved characters on British television, for 33 years and she will be missed enormously, by everyone who works with her on the show and by millions and millions of viewers.

"It has been a great privilege to work with Liz and I wish her a very happy and very well-deserved retirement.”

Liz commented: "It is going to be very emotional filming Vera’s death scenes but I do think it is the right decision for the character.

"Steve Frost and Kieran Roberts were very respectful about how I would feel about Vera dying and we talked about it at length before we made the final decision.

She added: "I have had 33 marvellous years in Coronation Street and will miss everyone very much."

Liz announced her decision to quit in July due to her ailing health

[Ruth*Star]

Awww She can't die, i wanted her and Jack to go off in the sunset and have a nice life together, i guess this is done so Jack doesn't have to leave.

[Scarlett.]

I can already feel it is gonna be a real sad episode

[Scarlett.]

Vera Duckworth is to die in a tear jerking Coronation Street storyline to be screened early next year, ITV announced today.

Three alternative endings have been written, but each will see Vera, played by actress Liz Dawn, die - leaving her husband Jack and friends and family devastated.

The exact details of her departure storyline will be filmed in top secret and viewers will not know how she will leave until the episode is shown in early 2008.

The decision to kill off the character of Vera was taken after long consultation between Coronation Street producer Steve Frost, executive producer Kieran Roberts and Liz herself.

Liz, Steve and Kieran felt it was better to have a dramatic finale rather than compromise the characters of Jack and Vera by having Liz come back for occasional guest appearances in the future.

Liz is also delighted that having made the decision to leave the soap after 33 years, she can now focus on enjoying her retirement without feeling the need to come back to work to fulfil storyline obligations.

Steve Frost said: “After discussions with Liz Dawn we have settled on a heart-breaking exit story which will see Vera leave Coronation Street in 2008. Liz’s contribution to Coronation Street has been quite remarkable. She has played Vera, one of the most-loved characters on British television, for 33 years and she will be missed enormously, by everyone who works with her on the show and by millions and millions of viewers. It has been a great privilege to work with Liz and I wish her a very happy and very well-deserved retirement.”

Liz said: “It is going to be very emotional filming Vera’s death scenes but I do think it is the right decision for the character. Steve Frost and Kieran Roberts were very respectful about how I would feel about Vera dying and we talked about it at length before we made the final decision. I have had 33 marvellous years in Coronation Street and will miss everyone very much.”

Liz first joined Coronation Street in 1974 and fast became one of the shows most popular and iconic characters. View our special Vera Duckworth gallery by clicking on the link below.

http://www.itv.com/Soaps/coronations...e/default.html

ITV.com

[BigSister]

aww no i didnt want her to die like ruth i wanted her to go off with jack into the sunset

[Scarlett.]

I bet that the episode will be a double hander between Jack and Vera, with Vera sick in bed, knowing she is about to die

[cepb]

Awww that's going to be so sad. When is it going to happen?

[Scarlett.]

January time, I think

[Scarlett.]

I just read Liz Dawn's illness will kill her within 5 years

[Billy]

i hope she gets murdered

[Scarlett.]

Nah I want her to have a peacefull death, its a more respectful way for such a great character to go

[Billy]

peaceful deaths are boring IMO. just get a serial killer nstab her or somethingg

[Scarlett.]

They arent boring if they are done well, look at Mike's for example

[Billy]

But weve had too many:

Mike
Alma

[Scarlett.]

Its the only way for long serving Legends to go though