Veteran soap actor quits

Coronation Street's Bill Tarmey played Jack Duckworth for 31...

09:44 09 April 2010

Coronation Street legend Bill Tarmey, who found national fame playing the street's resident rogue Jack Duckworth, has revealed he will quit the show.

The 69-year-old actor cited his ailing health and that he would like to spend more time with his family.

Soap bosses had talked him out of retiring last year, but Tarmey is adamant that he will depart the show when it turns 50 this December.

Tarmey stated: "I've had the most amazing 30 years. People often ask if I like Jack Duckworth. I always reply 'Like him? I bloody love him'

"Because of him I've made fantastic friends and travelled all over the world. I'll be sorry to say goodbye."

Executive producer Kieran Roberts said: "Bill Tarmey and Jack Duckworth have been a huge part of Coronation Street for 30 years.

"Like his many millions of fans, everyone on the show will be sad to see him go. We will make sure that his character's send off is fitting for one of the show's all time greats."

Tarmey has been on the show for the last 31 years, and received critical acclaim for his acting prowess after his onscreen wife Vera died. He is a father of two and has eight grandchildren.