Coronation Street: Eileen Derbyshire 'to QUIT ITV soap' after 55 years as Emily Bishop
CORONATION STREET legend Eileen Derbyshire is planning to leave the cobbles behind for good, according to reports.
Coronation Street: Is Eileen Derbyshire planning to quit for good?
Eileen Derbyshire as Coronation Street's Emily in 1990
The ITV soap's longest-running female cast member, who has portrayed Emily Bishop since 1961, is rumoured to be quitting after taking a 12-month break.
The 85-year-old took a sabbatical last November and it is believed that her family are now "her absolute priority".
A source told The Sun: "Eileen has been off for a long time, and there is no expectation that she will be back.
"All of her cast mates have accepted she won’t be returning. She’s 85 and has been out of the show for a year, so she probably would have found it tough to get back into the fast pace of filming."
Coronation Street: Is Eileen Derbyshire planning to quit for good?
Eileen Derbyshire first joined Coronation Street in 1961
All Eileen Derbyshire's cast mates have accepted she won’t be returning... it’s very sad!
The insider continued: "She has not told them she wants to quit, but those around her know she won’t be back. And her friends on set know she’s on the brink of retirement.
"It’s very sad, and she will be sorely missed by everyone who knows her. But they know she has to do what’s right for her."
However, a Coronation Street spokesperson has denied the reports, and told Express.co.uk that she is simply on an "extended break".
Coronation Street: Eileen Derbyshire as Emily Bishop has had some very dramatic scenes
Coronation Street: Eileen Derbyshire was awarded an MBE for her services to drama
They added: "We have had no indication from her that she does not plan to return in the future."
Eileen, who has a son with husband of 41 years Thomas W. Holt, was previously awarded an MBE for her services to drama six years ago.
She was honoured alongside co-star Barbara Knox, who has played Rita Sullivan since 1964.
Coronation Street continues tomorrow at 7.30pm on ITV.