Born Sylvia Butterfield 8 November 1939, Liz was the third of five children. She was educated at St Patrick's School followed by Leeds City Girls School.

At the age of 16 Liz left school and worked in a local tailoring factory, as a cinema usherette, shoe salesgirl and a light bulb seller in Woolworths.

Liz appeared in the James Herriott movie Who'd Be A Vet and played Larry Grayson's neighbour Dot in a long running sit com before landing a role in Colin Welland's play Leeds United.

In 1974 she took her most famous role as machinist Vera Duckworth in Coronation Street.

In 2000 Liz was chosen as Lady Mayoress of Leeds. She was also awarded an MBE in that year.