Coronation Street legend Julie Goodyear MBE has been diagnosed with dementia, her husband has revealed.
The 81-year-old soap star, who famously played Bet Lynch on the cobbles between 1966 and 1995, has been suffering forgetfulness for “some time”.
Her husband Scott admitted he was ‘heartbroken’ with his wife’s diagnosis in a statement on Wednesday (June 7), where he revealed that Julie’s condition will get “progressively” worse.
READ MORE: Corrie star says she’s ‘off’ after filming final scenes for dramatic trial storyline
Updating fans, he wrote: “My darling wife and I have had to come to terms with this heart-breaking diagnosis.
(Image: Granada Television)
“Unfortunately, Julie has been suffering forgetfulness for some time and we have been seeking medical advice and assistance, but we now know that there is no hope of a reversal in the situation – and that her condition will get progressively, and perhaps speedily, worse.
He continued: “We have taken the decision to publicly announce the diagnosis as Julie still loves visiting friends and eating out.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
“Inevitably she is recognised, and fans love to meet her – and she them – but she can get confused particularly if she is tired. I hope people will understand.”
The actress remains a patron of Willow Wood Hospice in Greater Manchester.
Julie first appeared as Bet on Corrie for nine episodes in 1966 before becoming a series regular from 1970 until 1995.
In 1979, she left the soap temporarily after being diagnosed with cervical cancer, prompting her to find the Julie Goodyear Cancer Screening Centre.
(Image: Getty Images)
The last time she rocked up to the cobbles was in 2003, where she appeared for a further seven episodes.
In 2012, she entered the Celebrity Big Brother house and made to Day 22, when she was evicted with Lorenzo Borghese.
Julie was given her MBE in the 1996 New Year Honours list for her services to TV drama.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
