Coronation Street star Vicky Entwistle has quit the ITV1 soap after 14 years playing loudmouth knicker stitcher Janice Battersby. Vicky confirmed on Tuesday that she's agonised over her decision to leave the show, but felt the programme's 50th anniversary year was the right time to depart. "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," said Vicky. "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," she added. "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." Coronation Street boss Phil Collinson praised Vicky for her contribution to Coronation Street. "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,” said Phil. There's no confirmation about whether Janice will be killed off in the previously reported December disaster. Click here to watch whatsontv.co.uk's weekly soaps video preview, the Soap Scoop
