Coronation Street star Beverley Callard reveals her heartache at missing Liz Dawn’s funeral after falling ill
The actress pulled out of plans to attend the memorial service today after falling sick
CORONATION Street star Beverley Callard had to miss Liz Dawn's funeral today after falling ill.
The actress had been due to attend the memorial service in Manchester, but she pulled out.
Beverley, 60, who played Liz McDonald in the hit soap, worked with Liz for years and she was devastated not to be able to attend her funeral.
The soap veteran tweeted a message to fans today telling them she would be unable to make it.
She revealed she has come down with a nasty tummy bug along with her husband Jon McEwan.
She wrote: "Jon and I got awful stomach bug! Oh dear! Heartfelt love to the family of an angel! The great Liz Dawn! God Bless! Xxxxx."
The stars of Coronation Street gathered for Liz's funeral in Manchester this afternoon to say goodbye to the soap legend.
Famous faces from the world of showbiz turned out for the service at Salford Cathedral to honour the veteran actress, who died last month aged 77.
Liz, who spent more than three decades playing Vera Duckworth on Corrie, passed away on September 25 after a battle with lung condition emphysema.
Soap bosses let castmembers finish work early today so they could attend the funeral.
The soaps' most recognisable stars headed to the funeral today including Helen Worth, who plays Gail Platt, and Michelle O'Connor actress Kym Marsh.
Samia Longchambon, who plays Maria Connor, arrived with her ice dancer husband Sylvain, and Michael Le Vell turned up with his onscreen ex-wife Sally Dynevor.
TA-RA CHUCK Coronation Street's cast lead emotional tributes to Liz Dawn as Vera Duckworth actress dies aged 77
The funeral service sheet featured a poignant tribute to Liz.
As well as the show's current stars, there were also plenty of famous faces from times gone by.
Ex castmember Bruce Jones, who played Les Battersby, was seemingly reunited with his onscreen daughters Jane Danson [Leanne Battersby] and Georgia Taylor, who returned last year as Toyah Battersby.
Liz's real life husband Donald Ibbetson led mourners at the funeral and he was seen breaking down outside the church as the coffin was brought in.
He sobbed outside the venue as his friends and family rushed to comfort him.
Other stars at the service included Alan Halsall, who played Vera Duckworth's son Tyrone, and wife Lucy-Jo Hudson, who played Katy Harris.
Anthony Cotton was there along with Roy Cropper actor David Neilson,
After Liz's death, a statement from her family said: "We are devastated and heartbroken at the passing of our much-loved wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great grandmother, the incredible Liz Dawn.
"Liz died peacefully last night at home with her loving family around her.
"She has been the love, light and inspiration in our lives and we are bereft at her passing."
While Liz was best known for her on-screen marriage to Jack Duckworth (played by the late Bill Tarmey) in real life she was married to her devoted husband Don and she had four children, Graham, Dawn, Ann and Julie.
A statement from Coronation Street: "It is with the greatest sadness that we have learned our beloved Liz Dawn has passed away last night. Her family at Coronation Street are heartbroken.
"We extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathy at this very sad time to Liz’s devoted husband Don, her loving children Graham, Dawn, Ann and Julie, their families and her six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
"We have been blessed to have Liz in our lives, as she was such a kind, considerate and caring friend and colleague.
"As Coronation Street’s Vera Duckworth for 34 years, Liz brought so much joy and happiness to so many. She was a wonderful actress who will forever be a true Coronation Street legend."
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