'Coronation Street' stars have been given time off to mourn the death of Liz Dawn.

Liz Dawn

Liz Dawn

The popular actress, who starred as Vera Duckworth in the long-running ITV soap, passed away on Monday (25.09.17) following a period of poor health, and her former co-stars have been afforded some time off to digest the tragic news.

A source explained: "Filming was brought to a sudden halt on Tuesday morning and the cast and crew were called to a meeting.

"Show bosses informed them of her death and told everyone they could take time off if they needed to, to process the news."

The tragic news has hit some of the show's longest-serving cast members especially hard.

And they have, therefore, been given some time off from filming to come to terms with Liz's passing, aged 77.

The insider told The Sun newspaper: "It has really hit the cast hard, especially some of the characters who have been on the show for years."

Following Liz's death, Bill Roache - who has played Ken Barlow in the soap since its first episode in December 1960 - wrote a glowing tribute to the actress, describing her as "one of the most beautiful human beings".

In a lengthy tribute, he explained: "Liz was one of the most beautiful human beings I've ever met.

"She was kind. The first to help anybody in trouble. She was an absolute joy.

"Always full of humour with a beautiful look in the eye. A very loving and loveable person. And even though she's been out of the 'Street' for quite a few years, there's this sense of loss that she's gone.

"The warmth and the humour that was in Vera came from Liz. You can see it. You can't act that, it's something in you that comes over.

"She was great company - always sending herself up as well. Liz was a consummate professional and her comedy timing was brilliant.

"She was a very good professional actress and comedienne as well as being a very kind and loveable person."

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