In a move which will sadden Coronation Street fans, actress Wendi Peters - who plays conniving loud-mouth Cilla Battersby-Brown - has announced she is leaving the show.
The 38-year-old, who joined the soap in 2003, said she wanted to work on new projects and see more of her family.
"I feel very privileged to have been given the fantastic character of Cilla and I shall really miss her," she said. "I've had a brilliant four years at Coronation Street. It's been filled with wonderful experiences and great opportunities."
Wendi is leaving the show to spend more time with her husband, actor Kenny Lidden, 40, and their six-year-old daughter Gracie.
Producer Steve Frost said that the actress will be missed, but they are hoping to find her character a suitably fiery exit from Weatherfield in the autumn. "Wendi is a valued member of the cast. She has made Cilla one of the most colourful and memorable characters in soap history," he said.
"We totally understand her reasons for wanting to leave, and are grateful that she has given us so much notice. This means we can spend time writing an exit storyline which will do her and the character of Cilla justice."
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
