Betty Driver has died

It is with a very sad heart that I bring you the news that Betty Driver has died today.

ITV said that Betty "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.

The BBC have a full obituary.

The team here at the Coronation Street Blog will be bringing you Betty tribute posts in the following few days.  Very sad news indeed.

Julie Goodyear who played 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 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."

More tributes from Corrie cast members are here.