Julie Goodyear’s husband has provided a heartwarming update on the Coronation Street legend. The soap star, renowned for her role as Bet Lynch, on the Cobbles recently celebrated her 83rd birthday.
The iconic actor has been married to Scott Brand since 2007. Scott has taken to Facebook to share a rare photograph of Julie as she celebrated the special day – as our sister site, Mirror Online, reported.
The 55-year-old captioned the post: “Just got home with my lovely wife and we’ve had a fantastic day together. Thank you so much for all your birthday wishes from both of us.”
Scott announced in 2023 that Julie has been diagnosed with dementia. In a statement, he said: “My darling wife and I have had to come to terms with this heartbreaking 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.”
The couple were most recently pictured smiling at the starting line of their local Alzheimer’s Society in October 2023. They first met 29 years ago when Scott delivered plaster to Julie’s house while it was under renovation.
Speaking about the care they have received from the Alzheimer’s Society, Scott added: “For me, the hardest part was accepting and coming to terms with the diagnosis.
“At the beginning I refused to accept any support, thinking I could cope as we have always been quite private people. This, in reality, didn’t last for long.
“I soon realised I needed to ask for help as I couldn’t do it by myself.” Born in Heywood, Lancashire in 1942, Julie started her career as a model in the 60s before her acting debut in 1965.
Julie is one of Corrie’s most iconic stars as she was a series regular from 1970 to 1995. In 1995 she was given an Lifetime Achievement Award at the National Television awards and the following year was made an MBE for her services to television and drama.
Since retiring from TV Julie has thrown herself into charity work, becoming a patron of Manchester’s Willow Wood Hospice in 2022. She remains a patron of Willow Wood Hospice.