fans have been left devastated this year after several of the soap's veteran actors died. Today (June 2), it was announced that Barbara Ferris, who was famous for playing barmaid Nona Willis in the show's Rovers Return pub when it first began, had died.

After a stint on Coronation Street, actress Barbara stepped away from the show after just 10 episodes, admitting she found the Lancastrian accent too challenging to follow.

Barbara, who passed away on May 23, 2025, led a life marked by both quiet stardom and personal devotion. Her husband and their three children survive her: Nicholas, Christopher, and Catherine.

Her death comes just weeks after it was announced that Coronation Street actor Michael McStay, who was on screen for 60 years, died at the age of 92. A representative confirmed his death on Sunday, May 11. He is survived by his wife, actor Jennifer Clulow, and their two sons, Darius and Paul. Michael died from heart failure, but "went at peace" in his sleep after lunch with his sons, a statement from the actor's spokesperson said.

In April, it was reported that Phillip Lowrie, who played Dennis Tanner in the original cast of Coronation Street, had passed away at the age of 88. His character on the cobbles was newly released from an institution for young offenders, and he was seeking to make something of his life. Phillip was introduced in the serial's first episode, broadcast live on December 9, 1960, alongside Pat Phoenix as his mother, the tempestuous Elsie, who accused him of stealing from her purse.

That same month, John Saint Ryan, known for portraying Charlie Whelan, died. His character was a long-distance lorry driver who sparked an explosive romance with Rovers Return landlady Bet Gilroy (portrayed by Julie Goodyear). He died aged 72, according to a heartbreaking statement from his family.

Kathryn Apanowicz, who appeared on Coronation Street in November 1995 as short-term Rovers' barmaid Carol Starkey, died in March aged 64 after a long illness. She was a child performer who grew up to find her best roles as an actor in TV soaps.