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Scarlett. · 08-04-2010, 11:16 PM

Corrie icon Bill Tarmey stunned fans last night by revealing he will quit as rogue Jack Duckworth.

Bill, 69, is leaving after more than three decades due to ailing health and to spend more time with his family.

Bosses talked him out of retiring last year but he will now pack it in when the show turns 50 in December.

The star said: “I’ve had the most amazing 30 years.”

A Street source added: “It will be the end of an era.”

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Street icon Bill Tarmey last night told of his sadness as he prepares to pack in life as lovable layabout Jack Duckworth after 31 years.

Bill, 69, is convinced the pull of his family – and health woes that have led to two heart ops – make it the right time to say goodbye to the Street.

But he admits it will be a huge wrench after more than three decades of antics that charmed the nation – and maddened long-suffering TV wife Vera.

The star said: “People often ask if I like Jack Duckworth. I always reply, ‘Like him? I bloody love him’.

“I’ve had the most amazing 30 years playing Jack.

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

Street chiefs have promised him a memorable exit fitting for the pigeon-fancying idler who quickly became a national TV treasure after his 1979 debut.

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A senior source said: “Bill was told they would rather see him finish with a bang than a whimper. They promised him a fantastic exit and Bill was delighted.

“It will be the end of an era when Jack Duckworth finally leaves Weatherfield for good. But one thing’s for sure – his will be a very memorable exit.”

Bill’s farewell will come after the ITV1 soap marks its 50th anniversary in December.

The father of two has been contemplating retirement for a number of years, sparked by his heart problems and the chance of spending more time with his eight grandchildren.

Even before the former pub singer and TV extra joined in November 1979 he had a near-fatal heart attack. He has since had two heart bypass ops.

When Liz Dawn, who played Vera, left two years ago after developing emphysema he was tempted to follow suit but bosses talked him out of it.

The actress, now 70, has kept in regular touch with him. Another Corrie source said: “Bill regularly tells colleagues how much she’s enjoying retirement and spending more time with her family.”

He has also admitted to his soap pals that he sorely misses having Liz on the set. Last year chiefs again had to persuade him to stay on but agreed to cut down his studio hours.

He held several meetings with outgoing boss Kim Crowther over his departure plans.

He confirmed them in talks at his home in Ashton-under-Lyne, Gtr Man**ches*ter, with Kim’s successor Phil Collinson. Bill said: “I originally wanted to retire last year but producer Kim Crowther and my wife Ally persuaded me to stay for the show’s 50th anniversary. I’m glad that I made that decision.”

The star said he was now excited to discover how scriptwriters planned to pen his last goodbye. He said: “I’ve had some great storylines over the past three decades and I’m looking forward to seeing what Jack’s final story will be.”

Executive producer Kieran Roberts said last night: “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.”

The Mirror

Smithy · 08-04-2010, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smithy

Yea, he wanted to quit before, but bosses convinced him to stay on until December when the 50th anniversary specials were going on. So it's no big surprise.

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