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Coronation Street’s Barbara Ferris dies aged 85 after decades-long career

BBG News

Coronation Street star Barbara Ferris has died aged 85. 

The actress became well-known for portraying Nona Willis, a barmaid character in “The Rovers Return,” yet had to depart from the soap opera following just ten episodes due to difficulties grasping the Lancashire dialect.

In addition to her appearances in “Catch Me If You Can” and “Children of the Damned”, Barbara also starred in Peter Medak’s “The Krays” in 1990, which marked her final film role.

Apart from her, her younger sibling, Pam, has recently ventured into the world of acting too, taking on the role of Sister Evangelina in Call The Midwife.

In addition to the other siblings, there was Liz, a skilled springboard diving champion, who clinched a bronze medal during the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome.

On May 23, 2025, Barbara, with her husband and three kids – Nicholas, Christopher, and Catherine – surviving her, passed away.

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Barbara’s younger sister Pam previously told the Mail how her sister ‘changed her life’. 

In a 2014 interview, it was shared by Pam that Barbara played a pivotal role in relocating her to New Zealand when she was 13 years old, and it was there that she developed an affinity for acting.

She shared that her elder sister, Barbara, along with her husband and their newborn child, relocated to New Zealand. Meanwhile, she stayed behind in Bridgend, Wales, living with her parents, as her father was employed by the local police department.

On afternoons when a phone call was expected, I, being without one at home, would gather around the public phone booth in my neighborhood, eagerly awaiting the ring. My companions and I would crowd around the receiver, ready to listen and respond.

The phone conversation was incredibly heartfelt since, during that period, it felt like she was in a different realm altogether. Since she traveled by sea, our means of contact were limited to infrequent letters and scarce phone conversations.

It was a delight to chat with my sister, yet the conversation left us all in tears due to our deep longing for her presence. For weeks, we engaged in intense discussions before finally reaching a consensus: we would relocate to New Zealand so that our parents could witness the growth of their grandchild there.

I had a wandering upbringing due to my father’s varied professions, which included being a civil servant and a member of the police force.

I hail from Germany, but at age six, I found myself transplanted to Wales. Adaptability in establishing connections and forming friendships became second nature to me over time.

At the age of thirteen, I found myself relocated to New Zealand. Being reunited with my sister was truly delightful, yet there were countless aspects of my new environment that captured my heart as well.

In the past, I didn’t feel cold enough to wear a winter coat and often went barefoot as it was warm enough to walk without shoes. After a few years, I found myself in a delightful relationship with someone who owned a speedboat.

In comparison to the education system in New Zealand, Welsh schools were more advanced, leaving me rather restless during classes. However, I found solace in drama, and my teacher encouraged me to join an amateur dramatic group, which I thoroughly enjoyed. This passion quickly grew within me, leading me to aspire for a career as a professional actress.

Over time, I enrolled in a theater group based in Auckland for further training. As I accumulated more acting experiences, my interest in taking on various character roles grew increasingly broader.

At age 21, I was chosen to portray Britannia, a nude character, in the play The Entertainer. However, New Zealanders are known for their modesty, so I wasn’t permitted to be completely bare. Instead, I stood on a pedestal adorned with three miniature Union Jacks, which I was thankful for as they provided some cover.

In my heart, I cherished my sister, her clan, and my dear parents more than words can express. Yet, by the tender age of 23, it became clear that if I desired to thrive as an actress, I needed to retrace my steps back to London.

Making the big, agonizing decision was challenging for everyone involved, but fortunately, my relocation to London proved beneficial. I managed to secure an agent and steady work that enabled me to find a place to live. Before shows like The Darling Buds of May and the Matilda and Harry Potter movies became popular, I had the privilege of being cast in delightful TV dramas such as The Rag Trade.

Presently, my parents are no longer alive, whereas Barbara continues to reside in New Zealand. These days, we make frequent trips to visit one another by airplane whenever our schedules allow.

As we grow older, our bond with others tends to deepen. If it weren’t for that phone call she made that afternoon, the course of my life might have taken a significantly different path.

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2025-06-02 10:03

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