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Eileen Derbyshire, 84, to take a 'six-month break' from Coronation Street... after playing longest-running female character Emily Bishop for 54 years

Published: 04:26 EST, 23 November 2015 | Updated: 08:00 EST, 23 November 2015

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She has been the longest running female character in Coronation Street, having appeared on the popular ITV soap since 1961.

And according to latest reports Eileen Derbyshire is set to quit her role as resident favourite Emily Bishop.

The 84-year-old actress, who has played the much-loved character for over five decades, is believed to taking a six months break away from the show.

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TV legend: Eileen Derbyshire, who plays Coronation Street favourite Emily Bishop, is believed to taking a six months break away from the show

An insider told The Sun newpaper's Laura Armstrong: ‘Eileen asked for a few months off from filming and she is due to leave early in the New Year.

‘She is obviously a big loss to the show, even if it really is temporary. And so many other popular cast members are heading for the door.’

A source revealed to MailOnline that Eileen is simply taking 'an extended break and that she definitely intends to return.'

It is thought Eileen's absence will see her character Emily take a trip to South America to visit her nephew Spider.

Longest running female: The 84-year-old actress has played the much-loved character since 1961

In her role as Emily, she struggled to find love during her first few years on the cobbles - here pictured in 1967 with actor John Baddeley, who played Douglas Preston

In 2010, the veteran actress was made an MBE by the Queen for services to drama.

In her role as Emily, she struggled to find love during her first few years on the cobbles before she finally tied the knot with her beloved Ernest, who was killed during a botched robbery in 1978.

Meanwhile, Eileen is not the first star who is taking some time away from the ITV show.

Whilst David Neilson (Roy Cropper) and Brooke Vincent (Sophie Webster) are rumoured to be taking a few months off to star in theatre shows, the soap has confirmed Alison King - who plays Carla Connor - will be taking a ‘sabbatical’ next year because of ‘creative reasons’.

Honoured: In 2010, the veteran actress was made an MBE by the Queen for services to drama

A spokesperson said at the time: ‘Alison King has indicated to producers she would like to take a sabbatical from the show for creative reasons at some point in 2016.

‘She wishes to try her hand at other projects before returning to the part of Carla Connor, a role she has enjoyed playing for nine years.

But the representative added, the actress won't be bowing out without before treating viewers to some memorably dramatic scenes.

‘Before Ali takes her break Carla has much more drama to come,’ the statement continued.

Another exit: Meanwhile, the ITV soap recently confirmed Alison King - who plays Carla Connor - will be taking a ‘sabbatical’ next year because of ‘creative reasons’