Soap star shocker

Actress reveals the reason she quit Corrie...

10:04 26 November 2010

Coronation Street actress Vicky Entwistle has finally revealed why she decided to quit her long-running role as Janice Battersby in the show.

The 41-year-oldÂ’s husband, Andrew Chapman, was recently found guilty of assaulting a fan after they had asked for an autograph from Entwistle.

The actress revealed in court that this incident had led to her decision to call it a day on the soap, after spending more than a decade playing the loud-mouthed factory worker.

She added that the assault had left her feeling intimidated and blamed her high profile job for causing the incident. She also revealed that she hadnÂ’t used public transport for 13 years due to the fear of being harassed by fans.

Michael McWhirter was hit in the face and knocked unconscious by Chapman back in April after he had approached the couple on a train from Manchester.

McWhirter told the court that he hadnÂ’t acted aggressively and had simply asked for an autograph in a calm manner.

It is thought that Janice Battersby may be central to Coronation Street’s 50th Anniversary tram crash special, where ITV have teased “four funerals and a wedding”.

The week of special episodes leading up to the major plotline begins 6th December.