Coronation Street bosses are said to be on the hunt for an older lady who can play the on screen girlfriend of Jack Duckworth.

Jack was widowed last year when his wife Vera died and since has had no meaty storylines on the ITV soap opera.

A soap source told The Sun: “Since Liz left Jack’s been a little bit lost. He’s still a father figure to Tyrone but now he’s married there’s not much for him to do.

“Jack is a really popular character and needs a new partner.”

The source added: “Jack and Vera were one of the best onscreen partnerships ever.

“Vera’s departure was a touching moment but it’s been over a year and Jack will move on.

“We’ll have to handle the story sensitively as a lot of fans will be loyal to Vera.

“It will be a long search to find someone who has as much chemistry with Bill.”