Coronation Street actress Lynne Verrall has passed away at 76 following a courageous fight against Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Known for her role as grandmother Geraldine Spellman in the ITV soap in 2017, Verrall died on November 8th after a long illness.
Tributes Flood In for ‘Witty and Brave’ Actress
News of Verrall’s death emerged Thursday, sparking an outpouring of heartfelt tributes from friends and colleagues. They praised her uplifting humour and fierce spirit despite the cruel illness.
“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.”
A memorial fundraising drive has been launched in France to aid vital MND research. The campaign supports ARSLA, a Paris-based charity dedicated to those living with the disease.
Decades of Theatre and Screen Roles
Lynne’s stint on Coronation Street was part of a stellar career spanning over 50 years. She brought heart and authenticity as grandmother Geraldine Spellman, grandmother to Summer Spellman, played by Harriet Bibby.
A native of Wellington, Shropshire, Lynne trained at Birmingham School of Acting before launching a rich career in theatre. Early highlights included work with the New Shakespeare Company and serving as understudy in As You Like It. She was also a founding member of Pentabus, a touring company bringing theatre to rural communities.
Her commitment to the craft and ability to embrace fresh challenges earned praise from her agent Samantha Boyd:
“Lynne was always ready to try any role, to grow and learn and develop. She embraced life to the full.”
Legacy of Fighting MND and Supporting Research
Motor Neurone Disease is a devastating condition that gradually strips sufferers of movement and speech. Despite awareness raised by figures like Rob Burrow and Stephen Hawking, funding remains limited.
Lynne showed her generosity and determination by leaving a bequest to ARSLA to help others battling the illness.
Friends have urged donations with a cheeky nod to ARSLA’s campaign motto:
“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.”
Remembered for her grace and mischief, contributors to her memorial imagine Lynne would have loved the defiance:
“I can just imagine Lynne laughing and saying, ‘that’s the spirit, don’t make a fuss, but thank you, darling.’”
As the nation mourns Lynne Verrall, her legacy lives on—on screen, on stage, and in the fight against Motor Neurone Disease.
