Corrie legend Vera Duckworth quits the Street

Miss Dawn, who has played the fiery character for 34 years, will exit the popular ITV soap before Christmas.

She has told Coronation Street bosses she is retiring after suffering with lung disease emphysema for the last three years.

The actress, who has appeared in more than 2000 episodes, said: "It's been an amazing 34 years. I'd like to thank everyone for what has been the best time of my life."

Producers have yet to reveal how Miss Dawn, who struck up a famous double act with Bill Tarmey as her on-screen husband Jack, will be written out of her £200,000 role.

Granada said Miss Dawn would continue to make guest appearances and that Jack Duckworth will remain on the show.

Coronation Street executive producer Kieran Roberts said: "After 34 years as Vera, Liz has taken a decision to relax and enjoy her retirement."

"We're currently devising storylines for her character's departure for Weatherfield but we would prefer not to reveal details at this moment.

"We're indebted to her for all she has achieved during her years as Vera Duckworth.

"She is a star and is loved by ITV. We will always miss this wonderful lady and first-rate actress and we are delighted that she's agreed to return to the soap in the future."

Miss Dawn, 68, was awarded an MBE in 2000 for raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for hospitals in Manchester and Leeds areas.

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She was diagnosed with incurable lung disease emphysema in 2004 but carried on appearing on the show.

The actress, who during her career also appeared in All Creatures Great and Small, joined the cast of Coronation Street in the seventies.

In 1990 she was featured on This Is Your Life.

During her career on the show she has most recently been seen working in the cafe, but was also at one point owner of the Rovers Return.

When her character is not berating her neighbours and rowing with her husband Jack she has been fretting about the behaviour of her son Terry, a criminal, liar and all round bad guy.

Emphysema is a progressive lung condition which leaves sufferers struggling for breath.

Cigarette smoking causes 80 per cent of emphysema, which can start as breathlessness during exercise and persistent coughing, but can leave sufferers housebound and needing oxygen supplies.