Actress Liz Dawn, who has portrayed Vera Duckworth on Coronation Street for 34 years, is departing the soap opera because of deteriorating health.

Actress Liz Dawn is leaving Coronation Street after 34 years because of deteriorating health.
(CBC)

Dawn broke the news in an interview in the tabloid News of The World on Sunday, saying her emphysema, a chronic lung disease, has gotten worse.

"It's been an amazing 34 years," Dawn said. "I'd like to thank everyone for what has been the best time of my life."

Dawn, who was diagnosed with the lung disease just three years ago, will leave Britain's longest-running soap series just before Christmas, but will continue to make the occasional guest appearance.

The Leeds-born actress, 68, was a smoker for 40 years, and has had her role diminished in recent years to match her failing health.

"Liz has taken a decision to relax and enjoy her retirement. We're indebted to her for all she has achieved during her years as Vera Duckworth," said show executive producer Kieran Roberts.

"We're currently devising storylines for her character's departure … but we would prefer not to reveal details at the moment," Roberts told the Manchester Evening Post.

Reports said there are no plans to write out Dawn's onscreen husband, Jack, played by Bill Tarmey.

Coronation Street, also broadcast on the CBC, follows the everyday life of people living in a northern English city, loosely based on Manchester.

Since its first broadcast in December 1960, the show has gathered legions of fans from all over the world. Of the original cast, only one character remains, Ken Barlow (played by William Roache).

Coronation Street can be seen from Monday to Friday at 7 p.m. on CBC Television.