Coronation Street star Beverley Callard has quit the soap after 30 years of playing the unofficial Queen of the cobbles, Liz McDonald.
In a recent interview with OK! magazine, the actress revealed that she informed ITV bosses of her plans to leave earlier this month.
Recalling the moment, she said: "I was in shock, I felt totally numb," before adding: "I’ve been told Liz is going to go with one hell of a bang. I can't wait!"
ITV today confirmed the news, adding that Callard will be leaving the show at the end of her current contract. Liz McDonald will be seen on screen until summer 2020.
MD of Continuing Drama and Head of ITV in the North John Whiston said: “With the character of Liz, Beverley Callard has gifted to Coronation Street 30 years of brilliant drama, comedy and everything in between.
"Whether it’s sharing a wicked joke with Eileen, raising an arch eyebrow behind the bar of the Rovers or giving some feckless man the full force of her tongue, Liz is a true Coronation Street icon.
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“And while we wish Bev well when she leaves to take on new challenges mid next year, hopefully Weatherfield hasn’t seen the last of Liz!”
In the interview with OK!, Callard revealed that she's taking to the stage with The Thunder Girls, a highly-revered comedy play starring four 50-plus women.
Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights at 7:30pm and 8:30pm.
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