{"id":286009,"date":"2025-11-27T11:15:10","date_gmt":"2025-11-27T11:15:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/286009\/"},"modified":"2025-11-27T11:15:10","modified_gmt":"2025-11-27T11:15:10","slug":"coronation-street-star-dies-as-heartfelt-tribute-issued","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/286009\/","title":{"rendered":"Coronation Street star dies as heartfelt tribute issued"},"content":{"rendered":"

Lynne Verrall was renowned for her role as Geraldine Spellman<\/p>\n

10:16, 27 Nov 2025Updated 10:19, 27 Nov 2025<\/p>\n

\"LynneLynne Verrall (L) was renowned for her role as Geraldine Spellman(Image: scu)<\/p>\n

Coronation Street star Lynne Verrall has died aged 76 after a long illness. The actress enjoyed a glittering career across the stage and screen since the 1950s.<\/p>\n

She will be recognisable to Corrie <\/a>fans for her role as Geraldine Spellman in 2017. She appeared in 13 episodes across two years and was a key part in major storyline that went on to shape the show going foward. Geraldine was the homophobic mum to Drew Spellman, who was diagnosed with cancer<\/a>.<\/p>\n

After realising he had not long left to live, Drew left his adoptive daughter, Summer Spellman, in the care of his ex-boyfriend, Billy Mayhew. Summer, played by Harriet Bibby, and Billy, played by Daniel Brocklebank<\/a> have been key characters in the show ever since.<\/p>\n

In addition to her stint on Corrie, Lynne also appeared in EastEnders, Doctors and Vera. The sad news of her death was confirmed in The Stage<\/a> as her agent paid tribute.<\/p>\n

Samantha Boyd said: “Lynne was always ready to try any role, to grow and learn and develop. She embraced life to the full.\u201d Lynne was diagnosed with motor neurone disease after filming Greek Salad in 2023 and died earlier this month.<\/p>\n

Her lifelong friend Sue Dunderdale, who toured across the UK with Lynne, paid tribute to her legacy. She said: “She faced it with incredible courage. She was extraordinary. She remained in Paris because she\u2019d been happy there.<\/p>\n

“She created this wonderful persona of an eccentric, charming Englishwoman.”<\/p>\n

She added: “She was a fantastic actor but never got the recognition she deserved.\u201d<\/p>\n

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