'Coronation Street' character Vera Duckworth is set to be killed off in tear-jerking storyline, which will be screened early next year.
According to reports, Vera's departure will be filmed in secret and viewers will not know how she dies until they watch her final episode.
The decision to kill off the character was made after the actress who plays the role, Liz Dawn, decided to leave the show due to ill health.
The 68-year-old actress was diagnosed with lung disease emphysema five years ago.
According to an official statement, the decision to kill off Vera was taken after long consultation between producer Steve Frost, executive producer Kieran Roberts and the actress herself.
In order to keep the character's exit secret, three different endings have been written.
Liz Dawn said: "It is going to be very emotional filming Vera's death scenes but I do think it is the right decision for the character."
"Steve Frost and Kieran Roberts were very respectful about how I would feel about Vera dying and we talked about it at length before we made the final decision."
"I have had 33 marvellous years in 'Coronation Street' and will miss everyone very much."
Steve Frost said: "After discussions with Liz Dawn we have settled on a heart-breaking exit story which will see Vera leave 'Coronation Street' in 2008.
"Liz's contribution to 'Coronation Street' has been quite remarkable. She has played Vera, one of the most loved characters on British television, for 33 years and she will be missed enormously, by everyone who works with her on the show and by millions and millions of viewers."
"It has been a great privilege to work with Liz and I wish her a very happy and very well-deserved retirement."
