Browse Sections

• Education
• Special reports

Corrie star to be axed

22/ 9/2005

HYNDBURN-born actress Vicky Entwistle has been axed from ITV soap Coronation Street after eight years of playing loudmouth factory girl Janice Battersby.

Vicky, whose parents Alan and Maureen used to own M and M News in Clayton-le-Moors, shot to fame after making her debut on the Street in January 1997.

The former Rhyddings High School pupil will be written out of the soap at the end of her current contract but it is not thought that her character will be killed off.

Vicky, who married Andrew Chapman in Manchester in 2002, has featured in a series of high-profile storylines during her time in the soap.

The decision to write her out was taken at a story conference last week chaired by producer Tony Wood.

He said: "Vicky is a superb actress who has proved extremely popular. However, it is the nature of soap that characters come and go and the writing team and I felt that this character had run its course.

"We will be leaving the door open for a possible return some time in the future as the character has family and friends on Coronation Street."

Vicky said she was looking forward to a new start, adding: "When I joined Coronation Street in 1997 I never imagined I would stay for nine years. I have had an amazing time but understand why the decision has been taken for Janice to leave Weatherfield, for the time being at least.

"This is a new beginning for me and I am looking forward to moving on to new challenges. I have made some good friends and even met my husband working on this show - who could ask for more?"