Coronation Street has denied reports that the soap's longest-serving female actress, Eileen Derbyshire, won't be returning to the cobbles.
The 85-year-old actress, who has starred in the popular show for over 55 years playing the much-loved character of Emily Bishop, reportedly has no plans to quit her day job.
Derbyshire took a break from the ITV soap last November and viewers were told her character had gone to do charity work in Peru with her nephew, Spider.
Her time off was originally said to last six months but she decided to extend her break.
A spokesperson for the show told Digital Spy that the door is still open for her to return when she is ready.
Eileen is taking an extended break, and has given no indication that she doesn’t plan to return
Eileen, who won an MBE for services to drama in 2010, has faced many trials and plot twists on the ITV soap.
Her most memorable storylines saw her back out of marrying Leonard Swindley in 1964, before getting married to Ernest Bishop in 1972 - only to be tragically widowed six years later when he was shot in a robbery.
Emily went on to walk down the aisle Arnold Swain, but faced further heartbreak on discovering that he was still married to his first wife.
She also had a narrow escape from serial killer Richard Hillman, who tried to murder her for her money, and teamed up with nephew Spider to save the Red Rec - even climbing up a tree to prevent it from being destroyed.
