Betty Driver announces plans to retire

[dutchman]

Betty Driver has reportedly revealed that she intends to retire at the end of the year.

The Coronation Street stalwart, who turns 90 in 11 days, said she wants to end her long-running role as Weatherfield's Betty Williams on a high by taking a large part in the soap's 50th anniversary celebrations.

According to the News Of The World, Driver told a friend: "If my health holds up I want to get through this year and take a big part in the anniversary celebrations. Then my plans are to put my feet up and have a long overdue rest."

Driver's 41 years with the soap were recognised with a 'Lifetime Achievement' gong at last night's British Soap Awards. In a recorded video message, she said: "I'm not very good at making speeches but I want to thank everyone at ITV."