CORONATION Street actress Lisa George has opened up about the reason why she decided to leave the

show after fans were shocked by her exit.

The soap star confirmed her last scenes would be airing on Friday this week after speculation ran rife

that she was quitting.

Lisa George plays Beth Tinker on Coronation StreetCredit: Rex Features

After 13 years on the soap she has decided to step awayCredit: ITV

The actress has shared the sad reason why she is making the career changeCredit: Getty

Viewers were left wondering why she decided to step away from the cobbles after 13 years playing Beth Tinker.

Lisa has now admitted that she wants to take her chance to work in theatre before an eye condition she has potentially leaves her blind.

While speaking to Rob Smith from ITV, she shared that she was diagnosed with non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) a year ago.

This medical condition means that arteries supplying blood to the optic nerves are blocked.

It can cause a sudden loss of vision for someone who suffers from the disorder.

Lisa currently is partially blind in one eye because of NAION, and only has peripheral vision in the other eye.

In an emotional interview, Lisa asked: “What happens if I do go blind? I still want to explore as an actress and do lots of other things.

“It was the impetus for me to see what else is out there as I don’t want to stop any of those opportunities coming to me.”

The actress developed NAION when she was helping chop down a tree and a rope hit her in the eye.

She started losing vision in her other eye while in the middle of driving down a motorway.

Despite feeling certain about her decision to step away from Coronation Street to pursue new acting ventures while she still can, Lisa admitted that it still feels surreal that she is leaving the soap.

She added: “Thirteen years is a long time, the thing I’m going to miss the most is the people and my friends.

“Everyone says it’s like a family, but it is. You have such a laugh with the crew and everyone supports you.

“We’re all on WhatsApp groups and if some one’s done something good on of the shows everyone’s texting saying well done I really that loved that.

“I don’t know any other job where people have done that.”