'Coronation Street' star Vicky Entwistle, who plays Janice Battersby, is leaving the soap after 14 years.
The Press Association reports that soap bosses said the actress had "agonised" over the decision but felt that the show's upcoming 50th anniversary was the right time to leave.
Entwistle said: "'Corrie' means so much to me and I could easily have continued to play Janice for the rest of my acting career.
"But I've been thinking of leaving for some time, and couldn't deny those feelings. I've a hankering to do other drama projects and so if I don't make this move now I never will."
She continued: "The programme has given me my husband Andy [Chapman], as we met and got together when he worked on the show, and I've had a fantastic time playing an extremely feisty character.
"I'll miss the great friends I've made during my time in 'Coronation Street', but I know we'll stay in touch and I'm grateful to be part of the show's 50th anniversary as it's a huge landmark in British television."
'Coronation Street' producer Phil Collinson said: "When she first appeared on screen in 1996, Janice Battersby caused a stir and has continued to do so ever since.
"Vicky created a strong and uncompromising battleaxe with a heart of gold lurking underneath - in the true tradition of great 'Coronation Street' women. She'll be missed by us all and we wish her well."
