Sunday 22nd July
Actress Liz Dawn, who plays Vera Duckworth in Coronation Street, is to leave the soap after 34 years, according to the papers.
The News Of The World reports that the 68-year-old, who is suffering from the lung disease emphysema, has told show bosses at Granada that she is too sick to continue.
Dawn, who has appeared in more than 2,000 episodes of the show, will leave before Christmas.
However, the character will not be killed off, and Dawn will continue to make occasional special appearances in the show alongside her screen husband Jack, played by actor Bill Tarmey.
"After 34 years as Vera, Liz has taken a decision to relax and enjoy her retirement," said Coronation Street's executive producer Kieran Roberts. "We're indebted to her for all she has achieved during her years as Vera Duckworth."
Roberts added that Dawn was a "star and loved by ITV".
"We will always miss this wonderful lady and first-rate actress," he said, "and we are delighted that she's agreed to return to the soap in the future
