Coronation Street star Barbara Ferris dies aged 85 following decades-long career

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By REBECCA LAWRENCE FOR MAILONLINE

Published: 07:58 BST, 2 June 2025 | Updated: 12:27 BST, 2 June 2025

Coronation Street star Barbara Ferris has died aged 85. 

The actress was known for playing barmaid Nona Willis at the Rovers Return, but left the soap after 10 episodes because she struggled to understand the Lancastrian accent.

Barbara also had roles in Catch Us If You Can and Children Of The Damned. Her last film role came in 1990, in Peter Medak’s The Krays. 

She was the sister of a champion springboard diving champion Liz, who won a bronze medal at the 1960 Rome Olympics. 

Barbara, who is survived by her husband and their children, Nicholas, Christopher and Catherine, died on May 23, 2025. The cause of death has not been confirmed. 

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Coronation Street star Barbara Ferris has died aged 85 (pictured with James Bolam in Oranges and Lemons)

The actress was known for playing barmaid Nona Willis at the Rovers Return (pictured) but left the soap after 10 episodes because she struggled to understand the Lancastrian accent

Barbara pictured with John Neville  in Sunday Night Theatre, Blinkers’ TV programme in 1973

Barbara had roles in Catch Us If You Can and Children Of The Damned. Her last film role came in 1990, in Peter Medak’s The Krays (pictured in Oranges and Lemons) 

Coronation StreetCall the Midwife

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Coronation Street star Barbara Ferris dies aged 85 following decades-long career

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