Coronation Street's Julie Goodyear diagnosed with dementia, heartbroken husband reveals
7 June 2023, 12:55 | Updated: 7 June 2023, 15:23
Coronation Street legend Julie Goodyear is suffering from dementia.
The 81-year-old actress - who is best known for playing Bet Lynch in the ITV soap - has been recently diagnosed, her husband has revealed.
Her husband Scott said in a statement: “My darling wife and I have had to come to terms with this heart-breaking diagnosis.
“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.
“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.”
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Hilda Hayo, Dementia UK CEO and Chief Admiral Nurse said: "We’re sorry to hear that Julie Goodyear has been diagnosed with dementia, and hope that she and her family are receiving the support and assistance they need at this time.
"By choosing to speak publicly about her diagnosis, Julie and her family will raise vital awareness of dementia and we hope that this will encourage others to seek advice if they have concerns for their brain health.
"We urge families affected by dementia to reach out to our specialist Helpline. Staffed by dementia specialist Admiral Nurses, our Helpline offers support and guidance on all stages of dementia, including grieving for a loved one. Anyone affected by dementia can contact the Helpline by calling 0800 888 6678 or emailing helpline@dementiauk.org."
Hilary Evans, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “Our hearts go out to Julie Goodyear and her family, following the announcement that she is living with dementia.
"So many of us have such fond memories of watching Julie on screen, playing the iconic role of Bet Lynch. It is incredibly brave of Julie’s husband to share this news and help raise much-needed awareness of dementia, a condition affecting almost one million people in the UK today.
“With no treatments to slow or stop the diseases that cause dementia, a diagnosis is truly heartbreaking. Tragically many more families like Julie’s will go on to experience the devastation it causes because, if nothing changes, one in two people will be directly affected by dementia.
"They will either develop the condition themselves, care for someone with it, or both. As the UK’s leading dementia research charity, we have vowed to put a stop to dementia by finding a cure."
Julie first joined the Coronation Street in 1966 as popular character Bet, returning in 1970 ahead of her stint on the show.
She starred in the hit soap from 1970 to 1995 before returning for eight episodes in 2002 and a further seven in 2003.
In 1996 Julie was awarded for her services with an MBE, she was also honoured with a Special Recognition Award at the 1995 National Soap Awards.
In 2012, she entered the Celebrity Big Brother house and made to Day 22, when she was evicted with Lorenzo Borghese.
