Coronation Street legend Eileen Derbyshire is taking a break from the soap.
The actress, who has played Emily Bishop since 1961, has asked show producers for six months away from the cobbles.
Derbyshire will make her temporary exit early in the New Year, according to a report in The Sun today (November 23).
Details of how she'll be written out have yet to be revealed, but one rumoured possibility is that Emily could head off to go travelling with her nephew Spider.
Derbyshire, 84, is the longest-running female cast member on Coronation Street and a firm favourite with fans.
Sean calls Emily a homophobe and a bigot
© ITV
Some of Emily's most recent scenes have seen her questioning Ken Barlow (Bill Roache) on his relationship with newcomer Nessa Warner, expressing fears that he is moving on from his late wife Deirdre too soon.
Alison King, who plays Carla Connor, will also be taking an extended break from Coronation Street in 2016.
Other cast members such as Brooke Vincent (Sophie Webster), David Neilson (Roy Cropper) and Les Dennis (Michael Rodwell) have also asked for shorter breaks so they can take part in theatre shows.
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