Latest news and gossip from your favourite TV programmes and series

More than 12 million see Vera's Corrie exit

More than 12 million see Vera's Corrie exit

Around 12.5m viewers tuned into Coronation Street on Friday night as Vera Duckworth bid farewell to the soap.

The character - played by actress Liz Dawn - died in an armchair at the end of the first of two episodes shown on Friday, as husband Jack was having a drink in the Rovers Return.

It was one of three different death scenes for Vera which had been filmed, and kept tightly under wraps, with the nature of the character's demise kept a secret.

The viewing figures peaked between 1945-2000 in the scenes leading up to Vera's death.

Dawn, 68, is retiring due to chronic lung disease. She said, "I have had 33 marvellous years in Coronation Street and will miss everyone very much."

Friday's second episode ended with Jack, played by actor Bill Tarmey, watching tearfully as Vera's body was driven away by undertakers.

Tarmey described his onscreen partner as a "wonderful woman".

"She only left a few weeks ago but I already miss walking on set and seeing her there and I miss working with her," he admitted.

Archive: Read all the previous stories


Subscribe to the What's On TV newsletter

TV Quiz

TV Quiz

Test your knowledge and win great prizes

Play now

Games

Win Prizes

Play fantastic online games like Strike It Lucky and win instant cash prizes!

Play more

Shop

Go Shopping Online

Get the latest fashions, dieting tips, new exercise techniques - and maybe even a new partner!

Find out more

Also in What's On TV

Soaps

Home and Away's Emily: 'I had to go home'

Home and Away star Emily Symons said she would never have forgiven herself if she hadn't left the UK to care for her ill mother.

UK Drama

Channel 4 "shelves" Jonathan Ross deal

Channel 4 has shelved plans to give Jonathan Ross a £10m deal to host his own chat show, according to the papers.

Reality TV

NHS missed Jade's 'quite typical' cancer symptoms

Jade Goody would still be alive if NHS medics had spotted her 'quite typical' symptoms of cervical cancer, a private doctor has claimed.

US Series

Glee's Jane to get Madonna makeover in new episode

Jane Lynch can't wait for Glee fans to see her strike a pose in a special Madonna-themed episode.

Star Interviews

Mikey Graham remembers his mate Stephen

TV Times talks to Dancing on Ice star Mikey Graham about this Saturday’s special tribute to late Boyzone bandmate Stephen Gately...

Good To Know