Vera leaves the Street

Updated 20.47 Fri Jan 18 2008

Keywords: liz dawn, coronation street, vera duckworth, tv, television, showbiz

One of soap's most popular characters has bowed out of Coronation Street in a special double bill.

Vera Duckworth, played by Liz Dawn, appeared for the last time in a dramatic farewell.

"I have had 33 marvellous years in Coronation Street and will miss everyone very much" - Liz Dawn

Liz has been playing the loud-mouthed battleaxe since 1974 but decided to retire last year after revealing she has the lung disease emphysema.

She said: "I have had 33 marvellous years in Coronation Street and will miss everyone very much."

Liz plans to spend time with her husband, Don, four children, and five grandchildren, and to "enjoy life while I can".

Her screen husband Bill Tarmey, who plays Jack Duckworth, said, "Liz is a wonderful woman. I have worked with her for 29 years and we have never had a cross word.

"She only left a few weeks ago but already I miss walking on set and seeing her there, I miss working with her, we all do. But we wish her all the love in the world and want her to enjoy her retirement, she deserves it."