Catherine Tate to kill off Lauren

Catherine Tate is set to kill off her most famous creation - the chav teenager Lauren Cooper - in her forthcoming Christmas TV special, according to reports.

The outspoken school girl – whose catch-phrase is "Am I bovvered?" - is set to make a dramatic exit from Tate's BBC2 sketch show according to rumors. An insider told the Daily Mirror: "It's going to be Lauren Cooper RIP. Catherine thinks it's time to kill her off, and she'll be going in spectacular style."

Tate first introduced chav Lauren to the nation on The Catherine Tate Show in 2004. Earlier this year, she famously appeared as Lauren in a Comic Relief sketch with then-Prime Minister Tony Blair.

The news of Lauren's death will no doubt be greeted favourably by many teachers who are said to be getting tired of their kids reciting the annoying catch-phrase back when being told off. A number of British comedy fans will also be pleased to see the end of the character - they have criticised Tate for repeating the premise of the Lauren sketch too often, leading to it becoming a 'predictable and dull' part of her latter series.

The current speculation is that this year's Catherine Tate Show Christmas special, which will see a guest appearance from George Michael, is likely to be the last. Tate has ruled out a fourth series because she wants to concentrate on her role as the new Doctor Who assistant.

Here's a classic Lauren sketch: