Betty Driver originally tried out for the role of Hilda Ogden. Photo / Supplied
Coronation Street's ailing Betty Driver reaches 90 this week.
It may be Steve McDonald's name over the door, but in the Rover's Return, only one person truly rules the roost.
The formidable Betty Williams, nee Turpin, has been keeping the regulars in line - and in hotpots - for an incredible 41 years. And this Thursday, the actress who
plays her, Betty Driver, celebrates her 90th birthday.
Driver won The Lifetime Achievement honour at this week's Soap Awards, but could not pick up her award because she had a chest infection. In a recorded message to the star-packed event, she said she was "so excited I don't know what to say", before thanking ITV, the soap awards "and the lovely Granada where I've worked for over 40 years".
No one has more praise for Driver than Kym Marsh, who plays fellow pint-puller Michelle Connor.
"She's a legend, Betty. She's really down to earth and she's so funny; as sharp as anything. And she's always got a cuddle for you. She reminds me of my nan.
"It's not easy working behind the Rover's bar, because when you do scenes there, they're often long days. But Betty's always on it; she's the best."
It's hard to imagine Weatherfield's favourite watering hole without it's grand dame, but had Betty had her way, she'd have made her name playing a different Corrie legend.
She originally auditioned for the part of Hilda Ogden, but lost out to Jean Alexander. Apparently, picky producers wanted someone who "did not weigh as much".
A career on the cobbles was obviously meant to be, though. After being cast in the Corrie spin-off sitcom, Pardon the Expression, alongside Arthur Lowe, Betty made the leap to Coronation Street in 1969 - and the rest is history.
Speculation is rife that Driver will hang up her apron after the soap's 50th anniversary celebrations in December.
The oldest member of the Weatherfield cast has apparently told pals she hopes she will be well enough to film some more episodes of the Manchester soap before finally "putting her feet up".
Coronation Street screens on TV One, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7.30pm.
