Betty Gleadle , , known by the stage name Liz Smith , ( born 11 December 1921 ) is a retired English character actress , best known for her roles as Annie Brandon in `` I Did n't Know You Cared '' , Bette and Aunt Belle in `` 2point4 Children '' , as Norma Speakman in the BBC comedy `` The Royle Family '' , Letitia Cropley in the BBC comedy `` The Vicar of Dibley '' and as Zillah In `` Lark Rise to Candleford '' .
Liz Smith MBE ( born 11 December 1921 ) is a retired English actress . She is best known for her roles as Annie Brandon in `` I Did n't Know You Cared '' , Bette and Aunt Belle in `` 2point4 children '' , as Norma Speakman in the BBC comedy `` The Royle Family '' , and as her role as Letitia Cropley in `` The Vicar of Dibley '' ( 1994 -- 96 ) .