Vera "here to stay"

Coronation Street veteran Liz Dawn has announced that she has no plans to quit Weatherfield, refuting rumours that she is about to retire.

15:09 19 June 2005

Coronation Street veteran Liz Dawn has announced that she has no plans to quit Weatherfield, refuting rumours that she is about to retire.

Dawn, who plays Corrie's favourite nagging housewife, Vera Duckworth, told The People newspaper that she has no intention of quitting the role she has played for 31 years.

Rumours about the star's health had led to speculation that viewers might soon see the last of loud-mouth Vera.

But the 65-year-old actress confirmed she has just signed a new two-year contract to remain in the soap.

"I've read stories about my health with people hinting I may be leaving but that is rubbish. I've only just signed a new two-year deal," Dawn told the newspaper.

"I'm very happy on the show and have no intention of quitting."

Meanwhile, Dawn's husband Don hinted to the paper that her on-screen husband Jack, played by Bill Tarney, was also about to sign a new contract. Like Dawn, Tarney's health has also suffered over recent years and the actor has reportedly had two heart attacks and a stroke.

"Jack without Vera or Vera without Jack just wouldn't seem right after all the years they've been together," said Dawn's real-life partner.