Coronation Street star Lynne Verrall, who played Geraldine Spellman in the ITV soap, has died at the age of 76.
She appeared on the popular soap throughout 2017. It was revealed on Thursday that she died on November 8 after battling a long illness.
The performer passed away after battling Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
Ms Verrall joined the ITV soap in 2017, playing the grandmother of Summer Spellman, a character portrayed by Harriet Bibby. Her television appearance came during an acting career that extended across more than fifty years.
Lynne Verrall starred in the ITV soap in 2017
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ITV
A memorial fundraising initiative has been established in France to benefit MND research.
The campaign supports ARSLA, a Paris-based organisation dedicated to assisting those affected by the condition.
Ms Verrall had arranged a bequest to the charity in her will, demonstrating her commitment to helping others facing the illness.
Friends have created a tribute page describing how Verrall confronted her diagnosis with characteristic humour and bravery.
ITV
The memorial states: “Our dear friend Lynne faced MND with her trademark wit and courage — and even in the toughest moments, she never lost her spark (or her sense of humour).”
The fundraising page encourages donations to honour her memory, noting: “If you’d like to honour her memory — and give this disease the middle finger (ARSLA’s brilliant campaign slogan!) — you might consider a small donation to support their work.”
Contributors imagine Verrall would have appreciated the gesture, suggesting she might have responded: “I can just imagine Lynne laughing at that and saying, ‘that’s the spirit — don’t make a fuss, but thank you, darling.'”
Samantha Boyd, who represented Verrall, praised the performer’s professional dedication. Boyd stated: “Lynne was always ready to try any role, to grow and learn and develop. She embraced life to the full.”
Lynne Verrall played Summer Spellman’s grandmother on the ITV soap
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ITV
The actress originated from Wellington in Shropshire and received her professional training at Birmingham School of Acting.
Following graduation, she embarked on a theatrical career, initially touring with the New Shakespeare Company.
During this early period, she served as understudy for the role of Celia in As You Like It.
Ms Verrall subsequently became a founding performer with Pentabus, a regional touring company established by Sue Dunderdale in 1974.
Lynne Verrall starred in Coronation Street in 2017
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ITV
Her stage work continued with an appearance in Joe Penhall’s Pale Horse at the Royal Court Theatre in London. She later collaborated with Clean Break theatre company in 2005.
Her extensive theatrical portfolio demonstrated remarkable versatility across numerous productions and venues.
The performer’s association with Pentabus proved particularly significant, as she contributed to the Midlands company’s formative years as an original member of the ensemble.
Ms Verrall’s commitment to challenging dramatic work manifested through her collaboration with socially conscious theatre groups.
Her involvement with Clean Break, an organisation focusing on women affected by the criminal justice system, exemplified her dedication to meaningful theatrical projects.