Vicky Entwistle quits Coronation Street

Vicky Entwistle has quit 'Coronation Street' after 14 years playing gobby factory working Janice Battersby in the ITV1 soap.

Vicky Entwistle has quit 'Coronation Street' after 14 years.

The actress - who has played gobby factory worker Janice Battersby since 1996 - has decided to quit the show later this year as part of the long-running soap's 50th anniversary celebrations, to allow her to focus on other drama projects.

She said in a statement: "'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."

Although she is looking forward to future projects, the 41-year-old actress will be sad to leave behind the cast and crew she has worked with for years.

She said: "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.

"The programme has given me my husband Andy, as we met and got together when he worked on the show, and I've had a fantastic time playing an extremely feisty character."

The show's executive producer Phil Collinson has also praised Vicky for her portrayal of the soap legend.

He 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."

It is not known how Vicky will leave the soap, but with bosses planning to kill off several cast members in a huge tram accident in Weatherfield in December, her departure may be to do with that.

Jack Duckworth - played by Bill Tarmey - is also reportedly being lined up to leave the show through this storyline.