Coronation Street icon Julie Goodyear, 81, has dementia: The actress – famous for her leopard print-loving Bet Lynch – shares a heartbreaking diagnosis
Coronation Street icon Julie Goodyear, 81, has revealed she has dementia.
The actress is best known for playing leopard print-loving Rovers Return landlady Bet Lynch on the ITV soap for over 25 years, having played the role since 1966.
Her beloved husband Scott Brand, 55, released a statement on Wednesday, which read: “My dear wife and I have had to deal with this heartbreaking diagnosis.”
“Unfortunately, Julie has been suffering from forgetfulness for some time and we are seeking medical advice and help.”
“But we now know that there is no hope of reversing the situation – and that her condition will progressively, and perhaps even rapidly, deteriorate.”
Coronation Street icon Julie Goodyear, 81, suffers from dementia (pictured as Bet Lynch in a still from the ITV soap)
Her love: Julie’s fourth husband Scott Brand, 55, released the statement on Wednesday on behalf of Julie – the couple pictured, dating back to 2004
“We have decided to go public with the diagnosis as Julie still enjoys visiting friends and eating out.
“She’s inevitably recognized and fans love to get to know her – and they love her – but she can get confused, especially when she’s tired.’ I hope people will understand.’
Julie remains Patron of Greater Manchester’s Willow Wood Hospice. She would like to highlight the wonderful work Hospices do so much to support patients and families living with dementia.
Julie has been very open about her life and appeared in Piers Morgan’s Life Stories in 2013 where she spoke about her love for her fourth husband, former contractor Scott.
Superstar: Julie was a roommate on Celebrity Big Brother 10 in 2012 and placed seventh