[Scarlett.]

IT'S last orders for Coronation Street legend Betty Driver as the Rovers Return queen of the hotpot quits after an incredible 41 YEARS.

But the soap's oldest cast member - 90 in 11 days - has vowed to see out as many episodes playing barmaid Betty Williams as she can this year to mark the show's 50th anniversary.

She told a close friend: "If my health holds up I want to get through this year and take a big part in the anniversary celebrations. Then my plans are to put my feet up and have a long overdue rest."

Street chiefs were worried Betty would go early when she was admitted to hospital near her Cheshire home last month with a chest infection.

But the one-time big band singer - awarded the OBE in 2000 - is on the road to recovery and looking forward to getting back to work at Granada's Manchester studios.

But she was still too ill to accept in person the Lifetime Achievement Award she won at last night's British Soap Awards. Instead she recorded a video message in which she said: "I'm not very good at making speeches but I want to thank everyone at ITV."

A Corrie insider told us: "Betty's probably the most popular person on the show."

The Leicester-born actress started performing aged just eight. She originally auditioned for the role of Hilda Ogden but joined the show in 1969 as school dinner lady Betty Turpin, and has seen off two screen hubbies.

Although Betty will always be remembered for her trademark hotpots, in real life she's a staunch vegetarian and admitted: "I couldn't cook a hotpot to save my life!"

News of the World

[Kerry]

She really does need a rest at her age!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Awww she'll be missed

[Kerry]

Loads of goodbyes in soapland recently

[bbfan1991]

Hope Betty has a nice retirement.

[Kerry]

Originally Posted by bbfan1991

I don't like the character although she is a Corrie legend, hope Betty has a nice retirement.

Awww she's part of the furnature

[bbfan1991]

Originally Posted by Jaye

Awww she's part of the furnature

, correction I do like her.. in a world of my own.

[Kerry]

Originally Posted by bbfan1991

, correction I do like her.. in a world of my own.

She's the original tittle tattle Long before the Norris's of the street

[Scarlett.]

Indeed she does, and its very well deserved

and yeah there is, but I think Betty definately quit on her own terms

[Kerry]

Originally Posted by Chewy

Indeed she does, and its very well deserved

and yeah there is, but I think Betty definately quit on her own terms

Oh certainly and I don't bloody blame her!

[Smithy]

omg, Nooooo

[Stacey.]

ah, it's about time.
hope they get some new younger characters in.

[Scarlett.]

it will be weird her not being there

[Kerry]

Originally Posted by Chewy

it will be weird her not being there

No more Hotpot?!?!?!

[Scarlett.]

Originally Posted by Jaye

No more Hotpot?!?!?!

Indeed

[Kerry]

Originally Posted by Chewy

Indeed

Maybe 'Becky's Butties' next. Or 'Liz's Lunches'. 'Steves sarnies'?

No?

[Scarlett.]

Originally Posted by Jaye

Maybe 'Becky's Butties' next. Or 'Liz's Lunches'. 'Steves sarnies'?

No?

Becky's baps
Steve's sausage
Liz's...yeah

[Scarlett.]

No! She's been there since episode 2 :O

[Z]

Aw! Bless her, I hope she gets to take part in the anniversary celebrations; she's long overdue a break though!

[Smithy]

They're obv going to kill her off

With so many leaving around december, maybe theres going to be a big disaster :O

[Scarlett.]

Originally Posted by Smithy

They're obv going to kill her off

With so many leaving around december, maybe theres going to be a big disaster :O

Possibly, its a few of the big stars too

[Smithy]

Originally Posted by Chewy

Possibly, its a few of the big stars too

IK

Apparently a few years ago they wanted to kill off a load of characters by having Claire drive a bus into the rovers (By accident) but the producers said no because enough people had already left that year.

They may go down a similar route this year

[Scarlett.]

Originally Posted by Smithy

IK

Apparently a few years ago they wanted to kill off a load of characters by having Claire drive a bus into the rovers (By accident) but the producers said no because enough people had already left that year.

They may go down a similar route this year

Nah, it was tram that was going to derail, thats why Claire went for the tram job first xD but the tram people said they didnt want the distater to happen xD

[Smithy]

Originally Posted by Chewy

Nah, it was tram that was going to derail, thats why Claire went for the tram job first xD but the tram people said they didnt want the distater to happen xD

Well Tram Train Bus, It's all the same to me

[\PJ/]

about time,her skin is like old leather and she gives nothing to the show.

[Scarlett.]

Who knows, maybe Sean dies with Tony xD