Coronation Street’s Julie Goodyear announced that she has been diagnosed with dementia last month.
The actress, known for playing Bet Lynch in ITV’s Corrie, has been supported by her pal Sue Jenkins, who played Gloria Todd, with the duo pulling pints together in the Rovers Return in the 80s.
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Speaking on her pal’s heartbreaking news, Sue told The Mirror: “I have such great memories working with her. We have touched base over the years but not recently.”
She added: “It’s the saddest thing, but unfortunately, it just seems so common now. It’s heartbreaking how many people are suffering – we have really got to get to the bottom of why and fight it.”
Sue praised Julie for being so welcoming when she joined the soap, adding: “I remember being utterly terrified before my first scene in The Rovers. I grew up watching it. My parents loved it.”
The TV star’s praise for Julie comes weeks after it was revealed that she was suffering with dementia.
Julie, who first appeared on Corrie in 1966 and made her final appearance in 2003, is said to be coming to terms with the recent diagnosis.
Her husband Scott Brand, issued a statement at the time and confessed there is no hope of a reversal in the situation after opening up on her “forgetfulness”.
He said: “We have taken the decision to publicly announce the diagnosis as Julie still loves visiting friends and eating out.
“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.”
Support for Julie immediately flooded in from fans and co-stars after the news was shared.
The TV favourite was a beloved icon on the soap, and while she has done a handful of other projects, she remains best known for her stint on Coronation Street.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk