12.5 million saw British TV soap-star exit

LONDON, Jan. 19 (UPI) -- About 12.5 million people watched as longtime "Coronation Street" player Vera Duckworth took her last breaths on the British TV show Friday.

The beloved character passed away in a chair while her spouse Jack was visiting Rover's Return, The BBC reported Saturday.

Lung illness reportedly had caused Liz Dawn, 68, to retire from her 33-year run of playing Duckworth on the soap opera.

Strict security measures were taken during the filming of Dawn's final scene, which directors chose from three possible written endings.

"I have had 33 marvelous years in 'Coronation Street' and will miss everyone very much. It was very emotional filming Vera's death scenes but I do think it was the right decision for the character," Dawn said.

Bill Tarmey, who was Dawn's television husband for nearly 30 years on the show, called her a "wonderful woman" and said he already misses working with her.

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