Friday, 9 April 2010

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Coronation Street's Jack Duckworth to leave soap

Actor wants to spend more time with family

Bill Tarmey has played Jack Duckworth for over 30 years

Bill Tarmey has quit Coronation Street.

The actor has played Jack Duckworth in the ITV1 soap since 1979.

But Bill, 69, now wants to spend more time with his family.

‘People often ask if I like Jack Duckworth. I always reply, "Like him? I bloody love him," he says.

‘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.'

Bill's final scenes will air after Corrie marks its 50th anniversary in December.

‘I've had some great storylines over the past three decades,' he tells the Daily Mirror.

'And I'm looking forward to seeing what Jack's final story will be.'

Executive producer Kieran Roberts has paid tribute to him.

‘Bill Tarmey and Jack Duckworth have been a huge part of Coronation Street for 30 years,' he says.

‘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.'