Former Coronation Street star Barbara Ferris has died, aged 85. Barbara appeared on the soap in 1961, playing Nona Willis for a total of ten episodes.
The actress’s death was confirmed by her family, who announced that she died on May 23 this year. Born in London in 1939, she began acting in her teenage years, before being cast as new Rovers barmaid Nona.
However, she left the role shortly afterwards, reportedly admitting that she found the Lancastrian accent difficult to work with.
Tributes pour in as Coronation Street Barbara Ferris dies
As news of the star’s passing spread, fans took to social media to pay their respects. Posting on the social media site X, one account shared a clip of Barbara’s first scene on the soap.
In the video, new barmaid Nona is chided by street harridan Ena Sharple for playing music in the non-music licensed venue.
Coronation Street – written by Tony Warren (4th September 1961). Ena extends a warm Northern welcome to the Rovers’ latest barmaid, Nona Willis (Barbara Ferris). pic.twitter.com/SRLDBoznhR
“–”
“”
