Betty Driver: Home At Last

God must have wanted a hotpot.

Had forgotten, until today, that I took this short video (below) at the Coronation Street 50th anniversary launch in September 2010.

Betty Driver, then aged 90, could have been forgiven for not joining the rest of the Weatherfield cast on the cobbles that day.

Dozens of journalists, including myself, spoke to Betty – none of us with a fraction of her energy, smile, laughter, stamina or goodness.

I was filming something else, then noticed Betty, who must have been tired, making her way home after what was a very long day.

The veteran actress and singer having already waved to the band (stage left) that you can hear in this clip.

As I’m sure was perfectly usual for Betty, almost everyone in her path wanted to say hello and have a photo taken.

This particular path just happened to be outside the Rovers Return Inn.

Watch to the end and you’ll see that lovely lady Betty Driver, despite her age and this very long day, never forgot to “Stick Out Your Chin And Smile.”

Betty in 1938:

Betty Driver as Betty Turpin and Arthur Leslie as Jack Walker.

A young Betty Driver at the Manchester Hippodrome.
Now reunited with her beloved sister Freda.

While sad at her passing, let’s celebrate a wonderful life.

And the fact that Heaven is no longer missing an angel.

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The Weatherfield Gazette Online: Betty Driver Dies

Coronation Street actress Betty Driver dies, aged 91

Coronation Street Blog: Why I’ll Miss Betty

Coronation Street: Betty Driver

Betty Driver’s Desert Island Discs