'Coronation Street' Betty Driver tribute to air tonight
Published Oct 17 2011, 09:30 BST | By Daniel Kilkelly
© ITV/Rex Features
The Betty Driver Story, which originally aired in February, will be repeated on ITV1 this evening at 8pm, the Manchester Evening News reports.
An ITV spokesperson told the newspaper that an announcement will be made on screen confirming that the documentary is being shown as a tribute following Driver's death.
The programme will be sandwiched between Monday night's usual Coronation Street double bill.
Driver, who played Rovers Return barmaid Betty Williams for 42 years, died peacefully in hospital on Saturday morning at the age of 91.
© ITV/Rex Features
© ITV
The actress had been suffering from ill health since May, when she was struck down with pneumonia. Betty's final appearance on screen aired towards the end of that month.
Coronation Street bosses are expected to hold a meeting today to discuss how Betty's departure from The Rovers will be explained on the show. Reports suggest that the scenes in question will air towards the New Year.
A show source told The Sun: "Our scriptwriters will ensure that Betty is written out in the best possible way. All the cast are keen to contribute to show their respect."
Meanwhile, an ITV representative said: "Everyone is very saddened by the news. Betty will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her and by our viewers.
"We are currently discussing the best way to run a fitting tribute to Betty, who has been such an important part of the show for so many years."
> Coronation Street stars pay tribute to Betty Driver
> Coronation Street's Betty Driver 1920-2011: Obituary
> Read all the latest Coronation Street news
Browse through a gallery of Betty Driver's life in pictures below:
Copyright: ITV/Rex Features
Betty Driver makes her stage debut at the Manchester Hippodrome
they shouid give her a good send off.
October 17th 2011 at 7:23pm
They can always watch EastEnders on BBC Three or Iplayer.
October 17th 2011 at 7:03pm
will be interesting to see the figures for deadenders tomorrow well done itv although a repeat is shameful.
October 17th 2011 at 6:28pm
I wonder what her final on-screen appearance was then?
October 17th 2011 at 2:46pm
I know everybody is going to miss eastenders to watch her tribute it's sad but most won't.
October 17th 2011 at 11:59am