The soap actress, who appeared in Coronation Street, EastEnders and Vera, has died after a long illnessRyan Paton SEO Writer and Tom Kershaw Head of Live News
13:33, 27 Nov 2025Updated 13:33, 27 Nov 2025
The soap actress, who appeared in Coronation Street, EastEnders and Vera, has died after a long illness(Image: Alphotographic via Getty Images)
Coronation Street actress Lynne Verrall has sadly passed away at the age of 76 following a prolonged illness. The talented actress had an illustrious career spanning stage and screen since the 1950s.
She is fondly remembered by Corrie fans for her portrayal of Geraldine Spellman in 2017. She featured in 13 episodes over two years, playing a pivotal role in a major storyline that significantly influenced the show’s future direction. Geraldine was the homophobic mother to Drew Spellman, who was diagnosed with cancer.
Upon realising his time was limited, Drew entrusted the care of his adoptive daughter, Summer Spellman, to his ex-partner, Billy Mayhew. Both Summer, played by Harriet Bibby, and Billy, portrayed by Daniel Brocklebank, have remained key characters in the soap ever since.
Beyond her stint on Corrie, Lynne also made appearances in EastEnders, Doctors and Vera. The sad news of her passing was confirmed in The Stage, where her agent paid tribute, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Samantha Boyd stated: “Lynne was always ready to try any role, to grow and learn and develop. She embraced life to the full.” Lynne was diagnosed with motor neurone disease after filming Greek Salad in 2023 and passed away earlier this month.
Her lifelong friend Sue Dunderdale, who toured across the UK with Lynne, honoured her legacy. She said: “She faced it with incredible courage. She was extraordinary. She remained in Paris because she’d been happy there.
“She created this wonderful persona of an eccentric, charming Englishwoman.” She further commented: “She was a fantastic actor but never got the recognition she deserved.”
(Image: scu)
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