The 'Coronation Street' star set to leave the show after 53 years

She has been a firm favourite on the show for more than fifty years, having made her very first appearance back in 1964.

But new reports claim that Coronation Street stalwart Rita Tanner is set to be diagnosed with a fatal brain tumour, and will depart the ITV soap later this year.

Sources told The Sun on Sunday that the shop owner, played by Barbara Knox, will refuse treatment for the growth when it is discovered in the next few weeks - resulting in a 'tragic end' for the beloved character. 

Rita became a regular character on the cobbles in 1972, and has been a firm presence on the show ever since.

However, soap sources have now claimed that actress Barbara is preparing to depart the ITV show, with her beloved role diagnosed with a brain tumour later this year.

An insider revealed: 'She will be diagnosed with a tumour and her doctors will say there is a serious risk she will die if they don't remove it.'

The source went on to claim that Rita will reject emergency surgery out of fear she will wake up with severe memory loss - leading to her 'tragic end'.

They continued of the storyline, which is believed to emerge in October: 'But Rita is terrified that she could not know who she is, or recognise her friends. 

'All the indications are that this will end tragically.'  

MailOnline has contacted representatives of the soap for comment. 

Coronation Street fans feared the worst for Rita earlier this month, when the Cobbles favourite was seen forgetting she had purchased a mug - causing them to speculate whether a heartbreaking dementia story line was on the cards.

This article was first published on dailymail.co.uk and is reproduced here with permission.