Coronation Street’s Maureen Lipman has been given a bodyguard by soap bosses amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and increasing anti-Semitic attacks in the UK.
The outspoken Jewish actress, 77, was spotted with the burly security guard to ensure her safety as she filmed on location in Manchester on Thursday.
Dame Maureen filmed the outdoor scenes as her lively character Evelyn Plummer in a long green quilted coat, sunglasses and a hat.
Meanwhile, her carer donned a black jacket and a source told The Sun he was “never more than two meters” away from the star, who has appeared on the soap since 2018.
According to the publication, he didn’t let her out of his sight and only actually stepped away from her when the cameras started filming.
Safety first: Coronation Street’s Maureen Lipman, 77, has been given a bodyguard by soap bosses amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and increasing anti-Semitic attacks in the UK
Scary times: The Jewish actress was spotted with the burly security guard to keep her safe as she filmed on location in Manchester on Thursday
Protest: People take part in a Campaign Against Anti-Semitism rally outside New Scotland Yard in central London last month
“It is not unusual to see security forces on site, but it is extremely rare to see them so close to a person at all times.”
Before adding: “And it’s a sign of how seriously Corrie is taking the threat and fulfilling her duty of care towards Maureen.”
Last month, Maureen joined 210 public figures in condemning the BBC’s refusal to label Hamas “terrorists” amid the wave of anti-Semitism in the UK – while the actress criticized “heartless liberals” who failed to stop attacks on Israel criticize.
The wide range of personalities, Jewish and non-Jewish and from all walks of life, also includes Sir Tom Stoppard, Lord Owen, Professor Richard Dawkins, Rachel Riley, Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, Sir Richard Dearlove and Simon Sebag Montefiore.
They wrote: “We are a group of concerned British citizens and residents from diverse backgrounds and professions who stand in solidarity with British Jews and condemn all forms of anti-Semitism, whether in Britain or elsewhere.”
Criticizing the BBC, the signatories said: “We call on the media, members of all political parties and everyone in public life to call Hamas what it is: a terrorist organization.”
After a group called Artists for Palestine UK, which included actors Steve Coogan and Tilda Swinton, published a letter accusing Israel of war crimes without condemning the Hamas-led attacks, Dame Maureen responded scathingly to the “heartless Liberals.”
She said: “These bleeding-heart, heartless liberals care so much about the Palestinians that they advocate their cause at the expense of every other oppressed people in the world. Shame.” Shame. Shame on each of you.’
On location: Dame Maureen filmed the outdoor scenes as her lively character Evelyn Plummer in a long green padded coat, sunglasses and hat
Protection: Meanwhile, her handler donned a black jacket and a source said he was “never more than two meters” away from the star, who has appeared on the soap since 2018
Bodyguard: You also said, “He didn’t take his eyes off her and only actually stepped away from her when the cameras started filming.”
No chance: Before I add: “And it’s a sign of how seriously Corrie is taking the threat and fulfilling her duty of care towards Maureen.”
The October statement, also signed by the actress, details a 651 percent increase in recorded anti-Semitic incidents since Hamas’ murderous attack began on October 7, as well as the sad spectacle of the forced closure of Jewish schools.
It continues: “British Jews should not live in fear of the actions of the State of Israel in its defense.”
“The British state must do everything in its power to protect them.”
“While we respect the right of all groups to peacefully protest, we call on the police to enforce the law without fear or favor.”
In the section referring to the BBC’s decision to refer to Hamas only as “militants,” the stars write: “Hamas, whose actions have directly and indirectly led to the tragic deaths of many Palestinian civilians and Israelis, is a banned one Terrorist organization in Great Britain and many other countries.
“The interior minister and the prime minister have identified Hamas as a terrorist organization.”
“Failure to use correct language – for example, describing Hamas as ‘militants’ or ‘militants’ – creates the false impression that Hamas and Israel’s armed forces are morally equal and represents an affront to the group’s victims – the dead, their families, and those currently being held hostage.’
They invite others to add their names to the website britishfriendsofisrael.org, saying in their statement: “No one thought this would be necessary in the 21st century, but unfortunately it is.”
Speaking out: Last month, Maureen joined 210 public figures in condemning the BBC’s refusal to label Hamas as “terrorists” amid the wave of anti-Semitism in the UK – while the actress criticized “heartless liberals” who failed to Criticize attacks on Israel
Fighting back: After a group called Artists for Palestine UK, which included actors Steve Coogan and Tilda Swinton, published a letter accusing Israel of war crimes without condemning the Hamas-led attacks
Furious: Dame Maureen hit out at ‘heartless Liberals’
On the front page of today’s Daily Telegraph, Dame Maureen said liberal artists had championed the Palestinian cause “at the expense of every other oppressed people in the world”.
She added: “The Palestinians are not Hamas, I agree; You just chose her. And 17 years later, Hamas has done nothing for the Palestinians except steal millions in donated aid while keeping them in need.”
Hamas won parliamentary elections in 2006 and has not held a public election for its representatives in Gaza since.
Dame Maureen also said: “I would like the signatories to answer this question for me: If your beloved country had been under attack for 70 years… how angry and exhausted and how determined you would be to defend your country against future attacks ?”‘
The actress, best known for the 1983 comedy “Educating Rita” and the 2002 drama “The Pianist” and most recently appeared in “Coronation Street,” said other artists should be “ashamed” for their support of Gaza.