So we’re not quite sure how to the break this news. But…yet another beloved member of the Corrie family will be making their last walk along the cobbles.

Coronation Street’s Samia Ghadie – who plays Maria on the hit soap – previously announced that another “well-loved” character was about to meet an untimely end on the show, leaving fans on tenterhooks.

And we can now reveal that character is none other than…Maria Connor’s black Labrador Ozzy.

Adorable Ozzy was given to hairdresser Maria by her ex-husband Liam. And the marvellous mutt will sadly be killed off in an episode that is sure to break hearts across the country.

“When Liam was killed in a hit-and-run it was Ozzy who was her main source of comfort,” a Corrie insider told The Sun.

“His absence couldn’t come at a worse time with heartache already on the horizon now she’s tangled up in a love triangle with Aidan Connor and his girlfriend Eva Price.”

Ozzy has been on the soap since 2007, and has become a much cherished cast member.

And it seems we will need to have hankies at the ready for his final scene. Ghadie hinted at an emotional run of filming in her column for OK! Magazine:

“It’s been great fun filming, but this week I’ve been recording some of THE saddest scenes I’ve ever done in my 17 years at Corrie,” she said.

Before adding:

“When I first read the scripts I was in tears so getting to film them has just sent me off. You may need your tissues when they air.

“And we say a sad goodbye to a well-loved member of the cast.”