East Lancashire actress to leave Coronation Street (From Chorley Citizen)

East Lancashire actress to leave Coronation Street

9:24am Tuesday 3rd August 2010 in

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EAST Lancashire actress Vicky Entwistle is leaving Coronation Street after 14 years as gobby factory worker Janice Battersby.

Soap bosses said the actress, who lives near Clitheroe, had "agonised" over her decision, but decided the show's 50th anniversary year was the right time to say goodbye.

Vicky 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."

Vicky is a former pupil at Rhyddings High School, Oswaldtwistle and her parents Alan and Maureen used to own M and M News in Clayton-le-Moors. Vicky said: "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.

"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."

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."

A Coronation Street spokeswoman would not reveal details of when or how the character makes her exit.

However, some key characters will be killed off in a 50th anniversary storyline in December, when a tram crashes on to the cobbles and causes carnage.