Coronation Street star Lynne Verrall has passed away after a battle with motor neurone disease. Lynne enjoyed a successful career on both screen and stage, spanning more than five decades.
She landed the role of Geraldine Spellman in 2017, introduced as the grandmother to Summer Spellman (Harriet Bibby).
The actress died in Paris on November 8. A French fundraising page has been created in her memory to support the fight against motor neurone disease.
It says: “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).
“In true Lynne fashion, she even left a gift in her will to ARSLA, the MND association here in Paris, to help others facing this awful illness.
“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.
“I can just imagine Lynne laughing at that and saying, ‘that’s the spirit — don’t make a fuss, but thank you, darling.'”
Lynne’s agent Samantha Boyd said: “Lynne was always ready to try any role, to grow and learn and develop. She embraced life to the full,” The Stage has reported.
Lynne grew up in Wellington, Shropshire and trained at the Birmingham School of Acting. After graduating, she kickstarted her career in theatre, touring with the New Shakespeare Company as as understudy for Celia in As You Like It.
She later became one of the original acting members of Pentabus, a Midlands-based touring company founded by Sue Dunderdale in 1974.
Lynne also starred in Joe Penhall’s Pale Horse at London’s Royal Court before working with Clean Break theatre company in 2005. In 2012, she was cast as Anna in Carrie Cracknell’s acclaimed revival of A Doll’s House at London’s Young Vic.
Lynne had a number of TV roles, appearing in shows such as The Bill, Holby City, Doctors, Vera and EastEnders. She made 13 appearances as Geraldine Spellman in Coronation Street between 2017 and 2018.
In 2023, Lynne landed the role of Kelly Reilly’s mother in the comedy–drama Greek Salad, hired by French director Cédric Klapisch
Shortly after filming came to an end, Lynne was diagnosed with motor neurone disease.
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