Coronation Street star Barbara Ferris has died at the age of 85. Barbara Ferris first appeared on the cobbles as barmaid Nona Willis back in 1961, embarking on a career that spanned several decades. She died on May 23, and her cause of death is yet to be confirmed. Barbara’s tenure on Coronation Street was brief; she played Nona for just 10 episodes before leaving the show, confessing that mastering the Lancastrian accent proved too challenging.
Cinema enthusiasts might also recall her role as Dinah, the love interest who elopes with Dave Clark in the 1965 film Catch Us If You Can. She also appeared in 1990 gangster biopic The Krays, helmed by director Peter Medak. Ferris stepped away from the limelight to dedicate herself to family life and support her husband during his international work assignments, with the couple making homes in Ireland, Zurich, and London.
Barbara Ferris played Nona Willis on Coronation Street (Image: Manchester Evening News)
Barbara Ferris has passed away aged 85 as tributes have poured in (Image: ITV )
Born into a London family with parents Dorothy and Roy Ferris, she was the younger sibling of two. During her time at the Italia Conti stage school, she participated in pantomimes and adverts to help support her family, reports the Mirror.
In the wake of her passing, fans have taken to social media to post heartfelt tributes and nostalgic photographs. One fan said: “Absolutely gutted to hear about Barbara Ferris. She had such a quiet grace on screen – Catch Us If You Can was a core memory from my childhood. Rest easy, Dinah.”
Another penned: “RIP to Barbara Ferris – unforgettable in The Krays. That voice, that presence. We were lucky to have her, even if briefly.”
And another tribute read: “Barbara was one of the kindest, most generous actors I ever worked with. Her laughter lit up every set we shared. It was an honour just to be around her.”
In 1960, Ferris married film producer John Quested, yet their matrimonial celebrations were brief – their honeymoon lasted but a single night at The Dorchester before Ferris had to make her professional stage entrance.
Ferris leaves behind her beloved husband and their three offspring: Nicholas, Christopher, and Catherine.
