LONDON, Oct. 15 (UPI) -- Actress Betty Driver, a mainstay on the venerable British soap opera "Coronation Street," has died at the age of 91, ITV announced.
The network said Driver had been struggling with a chest infection that left her hospitalized for six weeks before she died peacefully Sunday.
"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," co-star Barbara Knox said in a written statement.
Britain's The Daily Telegraph said Driver had a long career on stage and radio before she signed on with "Coronation Street" in 1969 in the role of Betty. She remained on set the rest of the way, telling reporters at last year's 50th anniversary of the show that she loved working and simply could never retire.
