Betty Driver

For 31 years Betty Driver has been dispensing no-nonsense advice and hotpots to the regulars of Coronation Street's Rovers Return as Betty Williams (nee Preston, previously Turpin), Betty has graced the Street since 1969 when she arrived to help her sister Maggie Clegg run the corner shop. She quickly inveigled herself into a job behind the bar at the Rovers and has been there ever since.
Betty Driver MBE (awarded in January 2000) started her performing life as a glamorous actress in a string of films and stage shows before WW2. During the war she entertained the troops in ENSA and became a huge star as a singer with Henry Halls Band before becoming a solo star with a string of hits to her credit.
A world tour taking in Australia and the Middle East followed and she returned to England to appear in many Ealing Comedies. And all before she was even 32! Throughout the 50's and 60's Betty appeared on stage and TV frequently until she got the call from Coronation Street in 1969.
Betty Driver has no intention of retiring and looks set to be dishing up hotpots in the Rovers for the next 30 odd years, and long may she do so!

First published on Gay UK Net
© Paul Towers 8/9/2000