Maisie Spackman
Published November 27, 2025 9:35am
Updated November 27, 2025 9:45am
Share this article via whatsappShare this article via xCopy the link to this article.Link is copiedShare this article via facebook
Comment now
Comments
Coronation Street star Lynne Verrall has died (Picture: ITV/Shutterstock)
Successful TV and stage actress Lynne Verrall has died aged 76 after a long illness.
She died in Paris on November 8, 2025, and a gofundme has since been set up in her memory.
The actress was best known to Coronation Street fans as Geraldine Spellman, Summer Spellman’s (Harriet Bibby) grandmother, who she played in 2017 and 2018.
Geraldine fought Billy Mayhew (Daniel Brocklebank) for custody of Summer after son Drew, Summer’s dad, left the teen in his care.
Ultimately, Summer made it clear that she wanted to stay with Billy and Eileen Grimshaw (Sue Cleaver) sent Geraldine away.
Lynne was born in 1949 and grew up in Shropshire. She trained at the Birmingham School of Acting and after graduating there, Lynne toured with the New Shakespeare Company as an understudy for the role of Celia, in the production of As You Like It.
Lynne played Corrie’s Geraldine Spellman from 2017 to 2018 (Picture: ITV/Shutterstock)
During the 1990s, the star worked at Theatr Clwyd in Entertaining Mr Sloane, and later went on to star in Joe Penhall’s Pale Horse.
Lynne moved to Paris in 2012, where she starred in several French short films.
In 2023, she played the role of Kelly Reilly’s mother in the dramedy Greek Salad, which had been offered to her by French director Cédric Klapisch.
After wrapping filming for the role, Lynne was diagnosed with motor neurone disease.
Lynne died in Paris after being diagnosed with MND (Picture: Dan Wooller/Shutterstock)
What is motor neurone disease?
Motor neurone disease (MND) is an uncommon condition that affects the brain and nerves. It mainly impacts people in their 60s and 70s, but it can affect adults of all ages.
MND is caused by a problem with cells in the brain and nerves called motor neurones. Over time, these cells stop working, and the disease gets gradually worse - moving, swallowing and breathing get increasingly difficult.
Currently there is no cure for the disease, which shortens life expectancy and eventually, leads to death. Treatments do exist that mean some people can live with the condition for many years, including physiotherapy and a medicine called riluzole that can slightly slow down the progression of the condition.
In most cases, it is not hereditary, but having a close relative with motor neurone disease can sometimes mean you're more likely to get it.
The NHS lists the early symptoms as:
- weakness in your ankle or leg – you might trip, or find it harder to climb stairs
- slurred speech, which may develop into difficulty swallowing some foods
- a weak grip – you might drop things, or find it hard to open jars or do up buttons
- muscle cramps and twitches
- weight loss – your arms or leg muscles may have become thinner over time
- difficulty stopping yourself from crying or laughing in inappropriate situations
The NHS advises you to speak to your GP if you experience the symptoms. 'It's unlikely you have motor neurone disease, but getting a correct diagnosis as early as possible can help you get the care and support you need,' they state.
For more information and support you can contact the MND Association.
‘Lynne was always ready to try any role, to grow and learn and develop. She embraced life to the full,’ her agent, Samantha Boyd said, as reported by The Stage.
More Trending
-
Play Video
Coronation Street confirms who catches Theo out
Channel: Coronation Street Coronation Street 4 days ago By Jon Boam - Major Coronation Street character left to die in shocking Christmas Day attack
- Major Coronation Street death confirmed as cast film a funeral
- Coronation Street fans 'crying' as Carla dumps Lisa in early ITVX release
Close friend Sue Dunderdale, who started touring company Pentabus, of which Lynne was an original member, said of her illness: ‘She faced it with incredible courage. She was extraordinary.’
‘She remained in Paris because she’d been happy there. She created this wonderful persona of an eccentric, charming Englishwoman,’ The Sun reports.
Deals of the Day
I found the ultimate pair of loafers you don’t need to break in
Shoppers say 'after 1 week, skin looks brighter, hydrated and glowy' as moisturiser works
Breakdown drama? There’s an app for that – and it gets you help in minutes
Pack 60% more with these cubes that sell every 2 mins – and travel smarter, not heavier
Sick of shaving? This at-home device will save you hundreds on hair removal
‘She was a fantastic actor but never got the recognition she deserved.’
Arrow MORE: TV legend utterly unrecognisable 30 years on – can you tell who it is?
Arrow MORE: Channel 4 boss confirms Hollyoaks’ future amid soaring viewers
Arrow MORE: Singer Jackson Browne announces death of actor son Ethan aged 52
Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source The Soaps Newsletter – WeeklySign up for exclusive spoilers and interviews, handpicked by our Soaps Editor.
Email I agree to receive newsletters from Metro I agree to receive newsletters from Metro Sign UpSign UpThis site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy
