'Coronation Street' drops actress

London: Producers of Coronation Street have dropped actress Katie Redford, after claims that she lied about her age to win a part as a 14-year-old.

ITV announced Redford was joining the soap last week, playing the role of Bethany Platt, granddaughter to Gail McIntyre. A press release described the actress as 19. But fans found evidence, including a CV, suggesting she was actually 25, reported BBC online.

A spokeswoman for the actress later confirmed she auditioned "as a 19-year-old". Producers only became aware of the discrepancy at the weekend, after the discussion gained momentum online.

As a result, ITV announced, "Coronation Street have taken the decision to recast the part of Bethany Platt". It is understood that producers have another actress in mind for the role, and there will not be a new audition process.

The character of Bethany was last seen in 2007 when she moved to Italy with her mother, Sarah Louise. Bethany was previously played by three child actors - Mia Cookson and Amy and Emily Walton.