Wendi Peters (right) has been in Coronation Street for four years

The 38-year-old, who joined the show in 2003, said she wanted to work on new projects and spend some more time with her family.

"I feel very privileged to have been given the fantastic character of Cilla and I shall really miss her," she said.

The character, who recently suffered from skin cancer, will leave the series in the autumn.

Dramatic exit

She caused controversy in the soap after finding out her husband, Les, played by Bruce Jones, had cheated on her.

We totally understand her reasons for wanting to leave Steve Frost, Coronation Street producer

Cilla told her family she was dying, despite doctors having given her the all-clear.

Scriptwriters are working on a dramatic exit for the character.

"We totally understand her reasons for wanting to leave," said producer Steve Frost.

"We are grateful that she has given us so much notice - this means that we can spend time writing an exit storyline which will do her and the character of Cilla justice," he added.