'Coronation Street' star Liz Dawn has said that her decision to leave the soap was a devastating one.
The 68-year-old actress, who plays Vera Duckworth in the show, said: "I'll be Vera 'til the day I die."
Dawn was forced to leave her role because of recent ill health, which meant that she was sometimes barely able to walk across the set.
She was diagnosed with lung disease emphysema five years ago.
The actress told The Sun: "I always thought I would play Vera until my dying day - but now I just want to spend the rest of my days enjoying my life with my family."
"It's been the most difficult decision I have ever had to make, but I know Vera would do the same."
"I always wanted to be there for Corrie's 50th anniversary in 2010. The thought that I won't be is devastating."
She said: "I'll be Vera 'til the day I die and they'll put 'Ta-ra Chuck' on my tombstone."
Vera's final scenes are due to be screened next January.
