Corrie's Vera in death plot

Vera Duckworth is to be killed off in Coronation Street early next year, ITV has announced.

The tragic ending will be kept under wraps so viewers won't know how she dies until the final episode is screened.

Actress Liz Dawn, who played Vera for more than three decades, is leaving the show due to ill health.

The 68-year-old was diagnosed with lung disease emphysema five years ago and has admitted the illness has taken its toll.

The soap's producers are so keen to keep her character's cause of death a top secret that three alternative endings have been written.

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.

"(Producers) 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."

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