In a twist that no one could have predicted, Coronation Street fans were left stunned as rare behind-the-scenes footage emerged showing what appears to be a “cloned” version of the iconic Vera Duckworth. The legendary character, originally played by the late Liz Dawn, was a cornerstone of the Street for decades—known for her big personality, sharp tongue, and undying love for her husband, Jack. But now, years after her on-screen death, the internet is ablaze with discussion over a resurfaced tape from an unaired 2003 promotional project that depicts an eerily lifelike version of Vera—only not quite the one weremember. The rediscovered footage, originally stored in the ITV archives and leaked through a fan forum, shows what insiders believe was a scrapped storyline or a publicity stunt that never made it to air. In the video, a character bearing a striking resemblance to Vera walks into the Rovers Return—but something’s off. Her walk is mechanical. Her speech is slightly delayed. Her hair and outfit are nearly identical to the Vera of 1997, right down to the leopard print blouse.

Longtime fans immediately picked up on the uncanny valley effect—suggesting that the woman in the footage wasn’t Liz Dawn at all, but rather a body double wearing prosthetics or even an early attempt at CGI. But the plot thickens when the footage pans to Jack Duckworth, played by the late Bill Tarmey, staring at the “clone” Vera with visible confusion. “Vera? I buried you five years ago!” he exclaims in the grainy clip, before stumbling backward in shock. The camera zooms in on Vera’s face—expressionless, almost robotic—as she says the words, “I’ve come back, Jack. I never really left.” The footage cuts off abruptly after that, leaving fans to speculate wildly about the purpose of the scene. Was it a dream sequence? A Halloween special? An abandoned sci-fi-themed storyline? Or simply a joke among cast and crew that was never intended to be released?

ITV has yet to release an official statement regarding the tape, but insiders from the studio have confirmed that around the early 2000s, there were internal discussions about breaking tradition with a more surreal mini-episode arc, potentially as part of a Christmas or April Fool’s spin-off. One former crew member, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “We were experimenting with odd, out-of-character sketches during off-season filming. That Vera clone scene was shot as part of a test—we never thought anyone outside the team would ever see it.” Regardless of intent, the internet has taken the clip and run with it. Social media platforms are flooded with memes, fan theories, and even AI-enhanced remasters of the mysterious footage. Some fans believe the clone Vera was meant to symbolize Jack’s grief or guilt, a manifestation of his inability to move on. Others go further, imagining an entire alternate Corrie universe where scientific experiments gone wrong brought back beloved characters in strange, twisted forms.

While many are laughing off the reveal as a harmless piece of Corrie trivia, others are deeply fascinated by what it suggests. “It’s like discovering a lost page in a well-read novel,” one user posted. “It’s weird, wild, and slightly creepy—but it shows just how far the show’s creators were willing to push boundaries.” Interestingly, this revelation has sparked renewed interest in Vera Duckworth’s legacy. Fans are revisiting old episodes, sharing their favorite Vera moments—from her hilarious spats with Jack to her dramatic departure. The resurfaced footage has even inspired a fresh wave of merchandise, including “Clone Vera” mugs, t-shirts, and novelty Halloween costumes that blend her classic look with eerie sci-fi touches.

Liz Dawn’s family has reportedly seen the clip and responded with warmth and humor. “Mum would’ve found it hilarious,” a family member commented in an interview. “She always had a wicked sense of humor and loved the idea of playing pranks—even on Jack. If she’d been around for that filming, she would’ve owned the moment completely.” The mystery of the Vera clone has also reignited the conversation around how soap operas occasionally dip into surrealism and fantasy. Though Coronation Street is known for its realism and grounded storytelling, it hasn’t shied away from bizarre moments in its 60+ year run—from ghostly visions to dream sequences and musical interludes. Still, nothing quite compares to the sight of a cloned Vera Duckworth stepping through the doors of the Rovers like a resurrected icon from a parallel universe.

Some fans are even calling for a proper re-airing or full release of the unused footage. “Give us the full Clone Vera special!” one post demanded. “If Doctor Who can play with time travel, why can’t Corrie have a little sci-fi fun now and then?” Others suggest the footage be included as part of a special documentary on the show’s legacy—highlighting the creativity, risks, and unexpected turns the series has taken behind the