SPOILERS: Corrie character set for extended leave

A Coronation Street star is to take a leave of absence.

Anne Kirkbride has been written out of Coronation Street for three months.

The 60-year-old actress - who has played Deirdre Barlow on the ITV soap for over 40 years - met with show bosses to discuss her future on the show and requested an "extended period of leave" so she can sort out some personal issues.

A spokesperson for 'Coronation Street' confirmed to the Daily Star newspaper last night: "Anne Kirkbride requested a slightly extended period of leave from the show, a request the company was happy to grant."

Anne Kirkbride who plays Deirdre Barlow.

The news follows revelations that the actress was offered a new £250,000 deal to stay on the popular show last month as she is an "indispensable" cast member.

A "delighted" Anne was said to be offered a new one-year contract containing the huge sum three months earlier than she was due to sit down with soap bosses for talks.

A show source said: "Anne is delighted with her contract renewal - it has further cemented her role as an indispensable cast member."