Amma Asante also wins director award at Women in Film and TV Awards.
Actress Charlotte Rampling was among the 14 women honoured at the 25th Women in Film and TV Awards this afternoon (Dec 4).
Rampling was honoured with the Best Performance Award for her role in Andrew Haigh’s 45 Years, about an old married couple whose relationship is tested when past wounds are re-opened.
Rampling previously won the Silver Bear at the Berlin Film Festival earlier this year where the film debuted, alongside co-star Tom Courtenay.
Amma Asante, the film-maker behind Belle and the upcoming A United Kingdom, was awarded the Digital Cinema Director Award, while documentary maker Kim Longinotto was honoured with the Contribution to the Medium Award.
The event, hosted by presenter Sandi Toksvig at London’s Park Lane Hilton Hotel, also saw Joanna Lumley receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, which was presented to her by Absolutely Fabulous co-star Jennifer Saunders. The duo recently...
Actress Charlotte Rampling was among the 14 women honoured at the 25th Women in Film and TV Awards this afternoon (Dec 4).
Rampling was honoured with the Best Performance Award for her role in Andrew Haigh’s 45 Years, about an old married couple whose relationship is tested when past wounds are re-opened.
Rampling previously won the Silver Bear at the Berlin Film Festival earlier this year where the film debuted, alongside co-star Tom Courtenay.
Amma Asante, the film-maker behind Belle and the upcoming A United Kingdom, was awarded the Digital Cinema Director Award, while documentary maker Kim Longinotto was honoured with the Contribution to the Medium Award.
The event, hosted by presenter Sandi Toksvig at London’s Park Lane Hilton Hotel, also saw Joanna Lumley receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, which was presented to her by Absolutely Fabulous co-star Jennifer Saunders. The duo recently...
- 12/4/2015
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Vibrant actor who achieved success in Bollywood films, West End musicals and on Coronation Street
Sophiya Haque's performance in Peter Nichols's Privates on Parade, which opened last month at the Noël Coward theatre, marked a high point in the beautiful British Asian actor's West End career, launched 10 years ago with Andrew Lloyd Webber's presentation of Bombay Dreams. As the lustrous Welsh Eurasian Sylvia Morgan, Haque held her own among the knobbly-kneed privates, led by Simon Russell Beale's outrageous Captain Terri Dennis. However, illness forced her to withdraw from the production before the end of the year and she has died of cancer at the age of 41.
Born in Portsmouth, Haque was the youngest of three daughters. She was raised by her mother, Thelma, a divorced schoolteacher. She attended Priory comprehensive school and took dance lessons from the age of two and a half at Mary Forrester's...
Sophiya Haque's performance in Peter Nichols's Privates on Parade, which opened last month at the Noël Coward theatre, marked a high point in the beautiful British Asian actor's West End career, launched 10 years ago with Andrew Lloyd Webber's presentation of Bombay Dreams. As the lustrous Welsh Eurasian Sylvia Morgan, Haque held her own among the knobbly-kneed privates, led by Simon Russell Beale's outrageous Captain Terri Dennis. However, illness forced her to withdraw from the production before the end of the year and she has died of cancer at the age of 41.
Born in Portsmouth, Haque was the youngest of three daughters. She was raised by her mother, Thelma, a divorced schoolteacher. She attended Priory comprehensive school and took dance lessons from the age of two and a half at Mary Forrester's...
- 1/19/2013
- by Michael Coveney
- The Guardian - Film News
New York — Nine Nobel Peace Prize winners are speaking out against a new NBC competition series they say treats military maneuvers like athletic events.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the other Nobel laureates protested in an open letter that the show, "Stars Earn Stripes," glorifies war and armed violence.
The series, which premiered on Monday night, pairs celebrities with inactive U.S. military personnel for simulated military challenges. Celebrity participants include boxing champion Laila Ali, Superman actor Dean Cain, Olympic gold medalist Picabo Street and former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's husband, Todd Palin.
The program is hosted by retired Army Gen. Wesley Clark.
"I'm doing this series for one reason," says Clark at the top of the show – "to introduce you, the American people, to the individuals that sacrifice so much for all of us."
The series is billed on its website as a "fast-paced competition" whose contestants "will gather...
Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the other Nobel laureates protested in an open letter that the show, "Stars Earn Stripes," glorifies war and armed violence.
The series, which premiered on Monday night, pairs celebrities with inactive U.S. military personnel for simulated military challenges. Celebrity participants include boxing champion Laila Ali, Superman actor Dean Cain, Olympic gold medalist Picabo Street and former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's husband, Todd Palin.
The program is hosted by retired Army Gen. Wesley Clark.
"I'm doing this series for one reason," says Clark at the top of the show – "to introduce you, the American people, to the individuals that sacrifice so much for all of us."
The series is billed on its website as a "fast-paced competition" whose contestants "will gather...
- 8/14/2012
- by AP
- Huffington Post
NBC debuts a new reality show Monday night (Aug. 13) called "Stars Earn Stripes," which pairs celebrities with U.S. military personnel and puts them through simulated military training. But nine Nobel Peace Laureates want the show pulled by NBC because "war isn't entertainment," reports the Washington Post.
In a letter to NBC entertainment chariman Bob Greenblatt, producer Mark Burnett and General Wesley Clark, the host of the series, the Laureates, including Archbishop Desmond Tutu, write, "This program pays homage to no one anywhere and continues and expands on an inglorious tradition of glorifying war and armed violence."
They continue that the show is a "massive disservice to those who live and die in armed conflict and suffer its consequences long after the guns of war fall silent."
"NBC is working with the military to attempt to turn deadly military training into a sanitized 'reality' TV show that reveals absolutely nothing...
In a letter to NBC entertainment chariman Bob Greenblatt, producer Mark Burnett and General Wesley Clark, the host of the series, the Laureates, including Archbishop Desmond Tutu, write, "This program pays homage to no one anywhere and continues and expands on an inglorious tradition of glorifying war and armed violence."
They continue that the show is a "massive disservice to those who live and die in armed conflict and suffer its consequences long after the guns of war fall silent."
"NBC is working with the military to attempt to turn deadly military training into a sanitized 'reality' TV show that reveals absolutely nothing...
- 8/14/2012
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Coronation Street star Paula Lane has admitted that she found it tough to film Kylie Platt's reaction to Betty Williams's death. This week's Coronation Street episodes have seen the local residents left saddened by the news that Betty has passed away. Kylie, however, has shown that she isn't affected by the loss of the long-serving Rovers barmaid. In real life, Betty Driver - who played Betty for 42 years - died in October 2011 following a period of ill health. Coincidentally, Kylie and husband David (Jack P Shepherd) were the two characters who shared her final scene last summer. Lane told Daybreak of filming Betty's send-off episodes: "It was really sad. That's been building for a while, because Betty died a little while back now. So it was very sad, and of course I've got to play Kylie at the same time (more)...
- 4/18/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street's residents gather to see Betty Williams depart the cobbles for the final time in Friday night's (April 20) double bill of the soap. As Betty's funeral day arrives, the locals are united in their respect for the long-serving Rovers barmaid - apart from Kylie (Paula Lane), who turns on crocodile tears to annoy Audrey (Sue Nicholls). Soon afterwards, as Betty's funeral cortege departs, silence descends on the street. Coronation (more)...
- 4/17/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street's Sean Tully is to be left with the huge task of continuing Betty Williams's hotpot legacy at the Rovers Return. Next week's episodes of the ITV1 soap pay tribute to Betty as her son Gordon (Bill Kenwright) returns to the cobbles and announces that she has passed away. Earlier this month, Coronation Street's producer Phil Collinson disclosed the full details of a long-held secret kept by Betty, which will be revealed to the local residents next week. However, this isn't the only secret in the mix - as Betty also leaves behind her famous hotpot recipe! Sean (Antony Cotton) is stunned when Gordon hands him a letter that Betty penned for him before her death. The note contains (more)...
- 4/9/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street's Betty Williams will be revealed as the rightful owner of Rovers Return. The late barmaid - who was played by Betty Driver for 42 years until her death in October 2011 - was left the pub in snobbish landlady Annie Walker's (Doris Speed) will in the 1980s, but the hotpot-making cook kept it hidden from everyone. Betty's secret will be uncovered when her friends start clearing out her house after her on-screen funeral, but the ''bombshell'' could pose a problem for current landlady Stella Price (Michelle Collins). Producer Phil Collinson explained: ''We've waited a respectful while to say good...
- 4/3/2012
- Virgin Media - TV
Coronation Street producer Phil Collinson has revealed the details of Betty Williams's big secret. The ITV1 soap gives Betty an emotional send-off later this month after her son Gordon returns to Weatherfield and announces that she has passed away. In real life, Betty Driver - who played the role of Betty for 42 years - died in October 2011 at the age of 91 following a period of ill health. As announced earlier this year, Betty's tribute episodes will include the revelation of a long-held secret kept by the popular character. Collinson confirmed the full storyline on This Morning today (April 2), explaining: "What they discover as they're clearing out her house is that Annie Walker, who was the landlady of the Rovers Return for the first 20 years of the show, actually bequeathed The Rovers to Betty in her will. "Betty carried this (more)...
- 4/2/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
'Coronation Street's ''farewell'' to Betty Driver will have a ''touch of drama''. The ITV soap will mark the actress' passing last year with the return of Bill Kenwright - who played her son Gordon in the late 1960s and 70s - in a special episode, and although the funeral of her character Betty Williams will not be shown, there will be a shocking revelation as part of the storyline. A source told Inside Soap magazine: ''Although it was under sad circumstances, Barbara Knox (Rita) and Eileen Derbyshire (Emily) were delighted to have Bill there. ''Betty's farewell will be very touching - but...
- 3/10/2012
- Virgin Media - TV
'Coronation Street's ''farewell'' to Betty Driver will have a ''touch of drama''. The ITV soap will mark the actress' passing last year with the return of Bill Kenwright - who played her son Gordon in the late 1960s and 70s - in a special episode, and although the funeral of her character Betty Williams will not be shown, there will be a shocking revelation as part of the storyline. A source told Inside Soap magazine: ''Although it was under sad circumstances, Barbara Knox (Rita) and Eileen Derbyshire (Emily) were delighted to have Bill there. ''Betty's farewell will be very touching - but...
- 3/8/2012
- Virgin Media - TV
'Coronation Street' writers are to reveal Betty Williams took a "secret" to her grave. A special tribute episode to the legendary character - played by late actress Betty Driver for 42 years - will see the barmaid's friends and family gather on the cobbles to mourn her and remember her life in Weatherfield before a closely guarded secret is revealed to them all. 'Corrie' boss Phil Collinson told Inside Soap magazine: "We'll be paying tribute to her, but there'll also be the revelation of something she's kept hidden. "I can't tell you what that is yet, but it's a secret that Betty has...
- 2/1/2012
- Virgin Media - TV
Betty Williams's send-off from Coronation Street will be centred around her wake, it has emerged today. Inside Soap has revealed that Betty's funeral will take place off-screen, with the main action occurring when Weatherfield's residents toast her life at The Rovers after attending the service. Digital Spy understands that a number of characters will be seen leaving for the funeral, before later returning to the pub to reminisce over Betty. The main story will be Betty's "surprising" secret - as show producer Phil Collinson recently teased in a newspaper interview. "We will be paying tribute to Betty, but behind the scenes will be the revelation of a secret she has kept hidden," Collinson said last week. "I cannot tell you what it is, but it's a (more)...
- 1/31/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Bill Kenwright will reprise his Coronation Street role as Gordon Clegg for Betty Williams's funeral, it has emerged. Betty's son Gordon will return to screens in April, joining Weatherfield's residents as they gather to pay their last respects to his mother. This Morning's soaps correspondent Sharon Marshall revealed the news on today's edition of the ITV1 magazine show. Marshall explained: "We've got a little announcement to make about Betty and the funeral plans. Betty's funeral will be screened in April. "There's been so many rumours in the press, but there's only one person who they've actually asked to come back - and that's Bill Kenwright, who played her on-screen son." Kenwright, who is now chairman of Everton Football Club, (more)...
- 1/31/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
'Coronation Street' writers are to reveal Betty Williams took a "secret" to her grave. A special tribute episode to the legendary character - played by late actress Betty Driver for 42 years - will see the barmaid's friends and family gather on the cobbles to mourn her and remember her life in Weatherfield before a closely guarded secret is revealed to them all. 'Corrie' boss Phil Collinson told Inside Soap magazine: "We'll be paying tribute to her, but there'll also be the revelation of something she's kept hidden. "I can't tell you what that is yet, but it's a secret that Betty has...
- 1/31/2012
- Virgin Media - TV
Coronation Street executive producer Kieran Roberts has revealed that characters from the show's past will return for the funeral of Betty Williams. Betty Driver, who had played the part since 1969, passed away in October at the age of 91. She is yet to be written out on screen. According to the Manchester Evening News, Roberts said that old faces from Betty's 42-year stay in Weatherfield will reappear for her April send-off. Roberts teased: "I think we've come up with a fitting exit for her. It'll be shown in the spring. It's important we get that right because she was so loved by the fans and by all of us who work on Coronation Street. "But it will mainly be about her and saying goodbye to her with the right amount of respect and the right tone." There (more)...
- 1/27/2012
- by By Paul Millar
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street bosses have revealed the first details of Betty Williams's send-off from the show - promising that fans will discover a long-held secret kept by the much-loved character. Betty Driver, who played the role of Betty for 42 years, passed away in October at the age of 91 following a period of ill health. Show chiefs are now working on a fitting exit for her alter ego. Coronation Street's producer Phil Collinson told the Daily Star that the scenes will air in three months' time - with a surprise in store for viewers. Collinson commented: "Betty's funeral will be shown in April and the scenes will be a treat for fans as they will be a celebration of what the Street does best. "We will be paying tribute to Betty, but behind the scenes will be the revelation of a secret she has kept hidden. I cannot tell you what it is,...
- 1/26/2012
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street star Jennie McAlpine has shared her memories of her late colleague Betty Driver, saying that it was a "pleasure" to have known her. Driver, who played Rovers Return barmaid Betty Williams for 42 years, died peacefully in hospital earlier this month at the age of 91. Her funeral took place in Manchester on Saturday. McAlpine, better known as Weatherfield's Fiz Stape, told This Morning today: "It was obviously such sad news for us. However, we had a real celebration for her on the weekend just gone. "It was her funeral and it was wonderful. Helen Worth spoke and Bill Kenwright, who of course came in and played the lovely Gordon - he spoke beautifully. And they put a big screen up in St Ann's Square in Manchester, so that the fans could watch." The actress added that plans to give Betty a fitting (more)...
- 10/28/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street legend Julie Goodyear is hoping to make a one-off return to the soap for Betty Williams's funeral episode, a report has claimed. Bosses at the ITV1 show are currently planning a fitting send-off for Betty after Betty Driver, who played the long-serving barmaid, passed away at the age of 91 earlier this month. Goodyear, better known as Bet Lynch, worked alongside Driver on Coronation Street for 25 years and reports suggest that she now wants to be part of her former colleague's exit storyline. "She's not coming back permanently but she's up for doing an episode," an insider told The Sun. "Nothing is set in stone yet, but a funeral with stars past and present would be really fitting. "[Betty] deserves a tribute episode and everyone wants to honour her memory and her work." Goodyear was present at (more)...
- 10/25/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street's great and good gathered together for Betty Driver's funeral yesterday (22.10.11). After the 91-year-old TV legend - who played hotpot-loving Betty Williams in the ITV1 soap - passed away peacefully last weekend, the likes of Bill Roache (Ken Barlow), Bill Tarmey (Jack Duckworth) and Julie Goodyear (Bet Lynch) packed into Manchester's St. Ann's Church to pay their respects to the star. Helen Worth - who plays Gail McIntyre in 'Corrie' - led a series of emotional tributes to the late actress, paying reference to her alter-ego's infamous hotpot dish. She said: "The world was a more comfortable place with Our Betty...
- 10/23/2011
- Virgin Media - TV
Coronation Street's great and good gathered together for Betty Driver's funeral yesterday (22.10.11). After the 91-year-old TV legend - who played hotpot-loving Betty Williams in the ITV1 soap - passed away peacefully last weekend, the likes of Bill Roache (Ken Barlow), Bill Tarmey (Jack Duckworth) and Julie Goodyear (Bet Lynch) packed into Manchester's St. Ann's Church to pay their respects to the star. Helen Worth - who plays Gail McIntyre in 'Corrie' - led a series of emotional tributes to the late actress, paying reference to her alter-ego's infamous hotpot dish. She said: "The world was a more comfortable place with Our Betty...
- 10/20/2011
- Virgin Media - TV
Coronation Street legend Betty Driver's funeral will take place on Saturday, it has been announced. The popular actress, who played Rovers Return barmaid Betty Williams for 42 years, passed away last weekend following a period of ill health. She was 91. Driver's funeral will be held at St Ann's Church in St Ann's Square, Manchester at 11.30am on Saturday. The service will be attended by hundreds of the star's friends and colleagues who worked with her throughout her career on Coronation Street, and previously as a big band singer and film actress. Details of speakers at the service are expected to be announced on Saturday. Tributes have been pouring in for Driver over the past few days following the (more)...
- 10/20/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street star Malcolm Hebden and former cast member Beverley Callard have today joined the tributes which are pouring in for their late colleague Betty Driver. Driver, who played Rovers Return barmaid Betty Williams for 42 years, passed away peacefully at the age of 91 on Saturday. She had been in hospital for six weeks. Hebden, better known as Weatherfield busybody Norris Cole, told Daybreak this morning: "It's a very sad day for all of us, I'm afraid. It wasn't entirely unexpected, but Betty was such a central part of the show for so many years - I'm afraid we're all feeling a bit glum today." He continued: "Betty had been a professional and very successful since she was about 14 years old. I myself remember seeing Betty as a child, singing at the Opera House in Blackpool. She was what we call a trouper. (more)...
- 10/17/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street's producer Phil Collinson has promised that the soap will give Betty Driver's character Betty Williams "a brilliant send-off". Driver passed away peacefully in hospital on Saturday following a period of ill health. She was 91. Coronation Street bosses are now considering how the departure of the actress's legendary character will be addressed on screen following her 42-year stint on the cobbles. Speaking on This Morning today, Collinson said that it was too early to reveal exact details of what is being planned. He explained: "I've only just got together this morning with some of the script department, and then we'll talk to the writers next week. But we'll do something brilliant and magnificent. We'll give her a brilliant send-off. She deserves it." Collinson also hailed Driver (more)...
- 10/17/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street actor Bill Roache has paid tribute to his late co-star Betty Driver, hailing her as a "real colossus" of the show. Driver, who played Rovers Return barmaid Betty Williams for 42 years, passed away peacefully in hospital on Saturday following a period of ill health. She was 91. Roache, best known for portraying Weatherfield's Ken Barlow since episode one in 1960, has now spoken of his close friendship with the actress, who was godmother to his son James. "Betty was a loving, generous, caring person, where humour was never far away," Roache told The Sun. "She was an 'Earth mother', always happy and jolly. "Though she never had any children of her own, it was as if we were all hers. She had so much love to give - and it was such a pure love, too. It made her perfect to be (more)...
- 10/17/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street legend Betty Driver will be honoured on screen tonight as a documentary about her life is broadcast in her memory. 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. 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 (more)...
- 10/17/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Singer, comic actor and stalwart of Coronation Street
Betty Driver, who has died aged 91, was a gutsy and durable comic actor who meant one thing to young audiences and quite another to those who could remember the second world war and the years immediately after it. To the youthful, she will be remembered as Betty Turpin (later Betty Williams), the barmaid, shoulder to cry on and wife of the policeman Cyril Turpin in Granada television's Coronation Street, whose cast she joined in 1969.
To a much older audience, she will also be remembered for her appearances in repertory theatres and in stage revues; as the child star who took over from the popular singer Gracie Fields on a stage tour, doing some of her best-known numbers; and as the principal singer for a year with the leading dance orchestra leader of the time, Henry Hall, on his BBC radio programme,...
Betty Driver, who has died aged 91, was a gutsy and durable comic actor who meant one thing to young audiences and quite another to those who could remember the second world war and the years immediately after it. To the youthful, she will be remembered as Betty Turpin (later Betty Williams), the barmaid, shoulder to cry on and wife of the policeman Cyril Turpin in Granada television's Coronation Street, whose cast she joined in 1969.
To a much older audience, she will also be remembered for her appearances in repertory theatres and in stage revues; as the child star who took over from the popular singer Gracie Fields on a stage tour, doing some of her best-known numbers; and as the principal singer for a year with the leading dance orchestra leader of the time, Henry Hall, on his BBC radio programme,...
- 10/16/2011
- by Dennis Barker
- The Guardian - Film News
The soap world lost one of its most legendary stars today as Coronation Street actress Betty Driver passed away at the age of 91. Driver's showbiz career spanned eight decades, with stints in the West End and entertaining troops during the Second World War before she landed her iconic role as Betty Williams in the ITV show in 1969. Over 2,800 Coronation (more)...
- 10/15/2011
- by By Colin Daniels
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street stars past and present have been paying tribute to Betty Driver today, following news of her death. The actress, who played Rovers Return barmaid Betty Williams for 42 years, "died peacefully" on Saturday morning after spending the last six weeks in hospital. Some of the ITV1 show's biggest stars have since released statements and written messages on Twitter remembering the Weatherfield legend, whose character was famous for her hotpot. Jennie McAlpine (Fiz Stape): "Betty. What a lady. What a life. Wonderful to have known her xx" Helen Flanagan (Rosie Webster): "Just heard that Betty Driver has died. Absolute legend. She will be so missed x Thoughts are with Mark Hudson who was also very close x" Andrew Lancel (Frank Foster): "Dear wonderful Betty Driver has died. An extraordinary (more)...
- 10/15/2011
- by By Colin Daniels
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street legend Betty Driver has died aged 91, it has been announced. The actress, who played Rovers Return barmaid Betty Williams for 42 years, "died peacefully in hospital" early on Saturday morning, an ITV spokesman confirmed. She had been in hospital for six weeks. Driver, who was appointed an MBE in 1999, had been suffering from ill health since May, when she was admitted to hospital suffering from pneumonia. She celebrated her 91st birthday at the hospital and later said she was looking forward to returning to Coronation Street. "I am looking forward to getting back to work. It's lovely in here, but I am looking forward to getting home soon. It's been a wonderful birthday," she said at the time. "She will be sadly missed by everyone who knew her," the spokesman added. Coronation Street's executive (more)...
- 10/15/2011
- by By Colin Daniels
- Digital Spy
'Coronation Street' actress Betty Driver has died. The 91-year-old veteran star - who played hotpot-loving Betty Williams in the ITV1 soap - "died peacefully in hospital" early this morning (15.10.11) after being admitted six weeks ago. An ITV spokesman said: "She will be sadly missed by everyone who knew her." Betty's co-stars rushed to pay tribute to her today with Barbara Knox, who plays Rita Sullivan saying: "I have lost a very dear friend and the Street has lost a very great character, a professional to her fingertips - she will be greatly missed." Julie Goodyear, who starred as fellow barmaid Bet Lynch...
- 10/13/2011
- Virgin Media - TV
Coronation Street star Betty Driver has revealed that she is looking forward to returning to work. The actress, who has played Betty Williams for 42 years, was speaking as she celebrated her 91st birthday at the private Alexandra Hospital in Cheadle, Stockport, surrounded by cards and flowers from both well-wishers and co-stars. Driver was admitted to the hospital earlier this month with pneumonia. According to The Mirror, she said: "I am looking forward to getting back to work. (more)...
- 5/21/2011
- by By Colin Daniels
- Digital Spy
Betty Driver is celebrating her 91st birthday in hospital today. The much-loved Coronation Street actress was admitted to an undisclosed Greater Manchester hospital last week with suspected pneumonia. Driver, who has played Rovers Return barmaid Betty Williams for 42 years, was said to be "in good spirits" as she received treatment. A report had claimed that she could have been discharged before her birthday. According to The Sun, cast and crew are planning to mark (more)...
- 5/20/2011
- by By Ryan Love
- Digital Spy
Betty Driver could be released from hospital in time for her 91st birthday, reports suggest. The popular Coronation Street actress, who portrays barmaid Betty Williams on the ITV1 soap, was admitted to an undisclosed Greater Manchester hospital last week with symptoms of pneumonia. The Sun quotes a friend of Driver as saying: "[Betty] is being kept in for observation. She's in good spirits." A report late last week said that Driver was "in good spirits" as she received (more)...
- 5/16/2011
- by By Kate Goodacre
- Digital Spy
Betty Driver could be released from hospital in time for her 91st birthday, reports suggest. The popular Coronation Street actress, who portrays barmaid Betty Williams on the ITV1 soap, was admitted to an undisclosed Greater Manchester hospital last week with symptoms of pneumonia. The Sun quotes a friend of Driver as saying: "[Betty] is being kept in for observation. She's in good spirits." A report late last week said that Driver was "in good spirits" as she received (more)...
- 5/16/2011
- by By Kate Goodacre
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street's Betty Driver is said to be in "good spirits" as she recovers in hospital from a suspect case of pneumonia. The actress, who has played Betty Williams in the ITV1 soap for 42 years, was admitted to an undisclosed hospital in Greater Manchester earlier this week. Sources told the Daily Express that the much-loved 90-year-old actress is "in good spirits" as she is carefully treated. Meanwhile, The Sun states that Driver won't leave hospital until 'at least' the weekend, (more)...
- 5/13/2011
- by By Ryan Love
- Digital Spy
Betty Driver has been admitted to hospital. The 90-year-old actress, who has played barmaid Betty Williams in Coronation Street for 42 years, is believed to be suffering from pneumonia only a year after being hospitalised for a chest infection. A Coronation Street spokesperson said: "Betty has been taken to hospital. We are all wishing her a speedy recovery." An industry insider told the Daily Express: "Everyone loves Betty, she's part of the heart and soul of Corrie. We're all very worried. We know she's an elderly woman but she's always (more)...
- 5/11/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Betty Driver has been rushed to hospital. The 90-year-old actress, who has played barmaid Betty Williams in Coronation Street for 42 years, is believed to be suffering from pneumonia only a year after being hospitalised for a chest infection. A Coronation Street spokesperson said: "Betty has been taken to hospital. We are all wishing her a speedy recovery." An industry insider told the Daily Express: "Everyone loves Betty, she's part of the heart and soul of Corrie. We're all very worried. We know she's an elderly woman but she's always (more)...
- 5/11/2011
- by By Rebecca Davies
- Digital Spy
Betty Driver has revealed that she would like her Coronation Street character Betty Williams to have a proper conversation with Ken Barlow. In an interview with the TV Times, Driver noted that the Rovers barmaid has had almost nothing to do with Bill Roache's long-standing character during her entire history on the show. The actress made her Corrie debut back in 1969, while Roache has appeared in the (more)...
- 1/26/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Betty Driver has admitted that she is glad she missed out on the chance to play Hilda Ogden on Coronation Street. The actress auditioned for the iconic Weatherfield character in 1964, but missed out when the part went to Jean Alexander. Driver - who landed her current role as Rovers favourite Betty Williams five years later - has now confessed that things worked out for the best. Speaking to the Radio Times, she explained: "They wanted (more)...
- 1/25/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street star Betty Driver has claimed that her early success meant she became a "meal ticket" for her family. The actress, who has played Betty Williams for 40 years, revealed that her dominant mother never showed her any affection and she believes pushed her into the entertainment industry because of her own failures. "We never got a kiss," she told Radio 4's Desert Island Discs. "We never got a present, nothing. My mother was so strong that my dad just gave up. He was a sweet person but he just (more)...
- 1/23/2011
- by By Colin Daniels
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street fans finally have the chance to sample Betty Williams's much-loved hot pot - all in aid of charity. A limited edition version of the Rovers Return favourite has been made available to raise funds for the soap's 50th Anniversary Appeal. The Manchester Evening News reports that proceeds will be split between three charities - Cancer Research UK, the Nspcc and The Christie - each chosen by the cast. "We wanted to celebrate the anniversary of Coronation Street by raising money for its charity appeal, so we came up with the hot pot meal idea," Brendan (more)...
- 12/21/2010
- by By Ryan Love
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street bosses have teamed up with ITV's This Morning to give fans the chance to create a new meal for the Rovers Return. The 'Cook a Dish for Corrie' competition - launched on yesterday's edition of the daytime show - will see food enthusiasts battling to get their creation on the pub's menu alongside Betty Williams's famous hot pot. Viewers are being invited to apply online via the Corrie and This Morning websites, providing a picture of their dish, details of its secret ingredients and testimonials from family and friends. The contest - created to mark the soap's 50th anniversary - will close for entries on January 4, when a panel of food experts will team up with (more)...
- 11/30/2010
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Snoop Dogg has announced plans to pay tribute to Coronation Street by opening up a replica version of the Rovers Return pub in Los Angeles. Speaking to The Mirror, the rapper vowed that he will even have Betty Williams's famous hotpot on the menu when he launches his new business. "I have watched Coronation Street for a lot of years and I'm in talks to do a cameo on the show, but until then a little bit of Corrie can come to me," the star explained. "People are mad for themed pubs over here, so I am doing this properly. Nothing (more)...
- 11/3/2010
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street star Betty Driver has revealed that she nearly went blind after being diagnosed with Age-Related Macular Degeneration (Amd) in her right eye. The actress, who has played barmaid Betty Williams for over 40 years, faced losing her sight completely because she already saw little through her left eye. However, a private specialist injected her with Avastin, a cancer drug not yet licensed to treat Amd on the NHS. She said: "When I discovered I had this problem I was terrified. I thought, 'Oh my God, I'm going to finish my life (more)...
- 10/30/2010
- by By Colin Daniels
- Digital Spy
'Coronation Street' character Betty Williams will take revenge when the secret recipe for her famous hotpot is stolen in the hit ITV1 soap. Ex-colleague Ciaran McCarthy, played by Keith Duffy, 41, swipes the closely-guarded recipe for Betty's Hotpot before serving it up in rival pub The Joinery. Livid Betty - played by Betty Driver, 90 - and Rovers Return landlady Liz McDonald (Bev Callard) decide to take revenge by saying they have seen giant rats in Nick Tilsley's bar. According to the Daily Star newspaper, Betty tells Liz: ''I'll kill that Ciaran. I don't care if they send me to prison for the rest ..
- 10/5/2010
- Virgin Media - TV
Coronation Street's Betty Williams will reportedly be left furious when her secret hot pot recipe is stolen. Betty, played by 90-year-old Betty Driver, discovers that former colleague Ciaran McCarthy (Keith Duffy) has taken it, reports the Daily Star. Ciaran nicks the recipe, which has been served at the Rovers for over 40 years, and begins offering it at Nick Tilsley's new bar The Joinery. "I'll kill that Ciaran," Betty will apparently tell Rovers (more)...
- 10/5/2010
- by By Ryan Love
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street actress Betty Driver has revealed that she has never eaten a hot pot. The 90-year-old, who has played Rovers barmaid Betty Williams since 1969, told ITN that she does not know what it is in the iconic dish. "That's a very good question," she said. "Because I don't cook." She admitted: "I wouldn't eat a hot pot, as (more)...
- 10/4/2010
- by By Ryan Love
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street's Betty Driver has revealed that she receives letters from children who want her to be their grandmother. Driver, who has played Betty Williams in the ITV soap since 1969, told The Mirror that she often becomes emotional reading mail from viewers. "She's very straightforward, but, above all, she's a homely character, isn't she?" she said of the barmaid famed for her hotpot. "And a lot of my fan mail comes from children - I get hundreds of letters from (more)...
- 10/1/2010
- by By Ryan Love
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street's Betty Driver has admitted that she would "die of boredom" if she ever retired. The 90-year-old actress, who joined the ITV soap in 1969, told The Mirror that she won't quit her role as Betty Williams. "If I retire, I'll be dead in six months with boredom," she said. "I love working. I can't retire, I won't retire - I never ever will. I don't believe in it. I think you're foolish if you give up a job you love." She continued: "I've got a lot of friends who've got to 65 and said, 'Right, well we've done our bit now, we'll pack it in.' And I've watched them grow old - you (more)...
- 10/1/2010
- by By Ryan Love
- Digital Spy
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