Liz Dawn who played Coronation Street legend Vera Duckworth has died

Her family has released an emotional statement

Liz Dawn, who played the legendary Vera Duckworth on Coronation Street for more than 30 years, has sadly passed away.

Liz, who was 77-years-old, died at her home on Monday night surrounded by her family, who have revealed they are 'devastated' by their loss.

'She has been the love, light and inspiration in our lives and we are bereft at her passing,' they said.

The cause of her death has not been confirmed, however Manchester Evening News reports that she had been suffering from lung condition emphysema since 2007.

ITV have also released a statement, sharing their heartbreak at the sad news about one of Coronation Street's most-loved stars.

'We have been blessed to have Liz in our lives, as she was such a kind, considerate and caring friend and colleague,' the statement reads.

'As Coronation Street's Vera Duckworth for 34 years, Liz brought so much joy and happiness to so many. She was a wonderful actress who will forever be a true Coronation Street legend.'

Liz played the fiesty and funny Vera from 1974 until 2008, where viewers fell in love with both Vera and her on-screen husband, Jack, played by actor Bill Tarmey.

In 2010 she made a moving reappearance on Coronation Street as Vera's ghost. She danced with Jack before his own death in one of most emotional scenes in the show's long history.

Former Coronation Street producer Mervyn Watson told BBC News: 'She was big, she was colourful, and she was real. Those are the qualities in her character that came across on screen - for those reasons she was wonderfully theatrical.'

Twitter has been flooded with condolences for the star, with everyone from Corrie castmates to MPs sharing their heartbreak.

Our thoughts are with the family at this time.