Amanda Barrie is looking for a fresh challenge

Others include Charlie Lawson (Jim McDonald), Jane Danson (Leanne Battersby) and Martin Hancock (Spider Nugent).

Barrie said: "As both the show and I have reached special birthdays this year, I thought it was about time I bowed out in the hope that there's one more show in me.

"I want to endlessly thank Granada and Coronation Street, but there has to be a time when things come to an end.

"This is something I've been thinking about for ages, but couldn't face up to the emotion of leaving or tear myself away.

"Now I feel it's time to hand over to the youngsters in the show who I think are so brilliant."

It's time to hand over to the youngsters in the show who I think are so brilliant

Amanda Barrie

The show's executive producer Jane Macnaught said: "We are sorry to see Amanda go, and wish her well for the future. She's been a much-loved character and we truly appreciate her loyalty and commitment to the show.

"As a producer I respect her decision and appreciate that she feels she has to move on. We will now work on an exciting exit for the character."

Alma, once married to the soap's rogue Mike Baldwin, worked for year's in the Street's caf�, but now works in the local supermarket.

Recently, the character was caught up in a ratings-grabbing siege at the supermarket.

Before joining Coronation Street, Barrie appeared in a string of comedy films, playing the lead role in Carry On Cleo.