Corrie's Betty the barmaid dies, aged 91

[-:Undertaker:-]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-15320895

Coronation Street actress Betty Driver dies, aged 91

Betty the barmaid: known for her famous hotpots

Coronation Street actress Betty Driver has died at the age of 91, a spokesman says. Driver joined the ITV soap in 1969 as barmaid Betty Turpin - later Williams. She was employed on a three-month contract but stayed for 42 years. "I thought, why not," Driver recalled. "It'll make a break for a while." 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.

In January 2011 she told the BBC she would never retire. "I just love working and I will never retire - ever - they'll have to shoot me to get rid of me," she said. "I just love people, you see, and I love the cast."
ITV said Driver "died peacefully in hospital" early on Saturday morning. She had been in hospital for six weeks. "She will be sadly missed by everyone who knew her," the spokesman said.

'Foundation' of Rovers Fellow Coronation Street barmaid Julie Goodyear - character Bet Lynch - said Driver was "the very foundation of the Rovers Return". "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 cross word. She was a totally professional actress. A true icon and legend and a very dear friend," she said. "She will be missed and remembered by millions." Barbara Knox, who plays Rita Sullivan in the soap, said: "I have lost a very dear friend and the Street has lost a very great character, a professional to her fingertips - she will be greatly missed." Driver had a seven-year marriage to singer Wally Peterson, which ended in her late 30s.

I don't watch Coronation Street and haven't done for a while, but I always remember Betty. A good actress and was really well for her age considering she was in her late 80s when I watched. First Blanche and now Betty!

RIP.

Thoughts?

[Chris]

I had no idea she was even 91! Such a shame though, I loved betty and I'm sure she will be missed. RIP.

[geo]

Oh wow! What a shame.. RIP

[DPS]

R.I.P no more hotpot

[Suspective]

RIP Betty. It'll be weird not seeing her behind the bar.

[Sharon]

No way! RIP to her

[beth]

oh wow i haven't watched coronation street since i was little, but betty was an icon. r.i.p.

[Rainbow]

Awww, I loved her She was a good actress, I always wondered why she wasn't on coronation street as much lately I had no idea she was in hospital and had no idea she was 91 She will be missed..R.I.P

[GommeInc]

Such a loss. She was one of the main characters in Corrie, with Blanche being the other I'm amazed by her age, she didn't act or look 91 and was quite interesting to listen to off set when talking about her life. RIP Betty

[Jurv]

This is such a shame. She will always be remembered for her hotpots and sense of humour. RIP Betty. xx