Corrie's Vera Duckworth to be killed off

30 October 2007 - Popular Coronation Street character Vera Duckworth will be killed off early next year, according to ITV.

Actress Liz Dawn, who has played Vera for 33 years on the soap, has recently spoken out about the difficulties of filming as a result of suffering from emphysema.

Coronation Street producers said that they had originally thought about having Liz leave the show but return for occasional episodes. However, they finally decided that a dramatic ending would be more fitting.

Producer Steve Frost commented: "Liz's contribution to Coronation Street has been quite remarkable.

"She has played Vera, one of the most loved characters on British television, for 33 years and she will be missed enormously by everyone who works with her on the show and by millions and millions of viewers."

Meanwhile, Liz said that she would be "emotional" while filming, but admitted that killing off Vera was "the right decision".

She insisted that the producers had been "respectful" towards her long-time onscreen persona when tackling the storyline.

Three different endings will be filmed for the dramatic finale, to help avoid news of the plot leaking out.

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