Julie Goodyear: Coronation Street star’s husband shares ‘heartbreaking’ dementia diagnosis
‘There is no hope of a reversal in the situation,’ he said
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Coronation Street star Julie Goodyear is suffering from dementia, it has been announced.
Scott Brand released a statement on his wife’s behalf, sharing the “heartbreaking” diagnosis on Wednesday (7 June).
He wrote: “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.”
He said he “hopes” that “people will understand.”
Goodyear, 81, portrayed Bet Lynch in the ITV soap from 1966. She first played Bet for nine episodes before returning in 1970.
She became one of the most popular Corrie characters, and remained on the soap until 1995. That year she received the Special Recognition Award at the National Television Awards.
The following year, Goodyear was made an MBE in the 1996 New Year Honours.
In 2002, she brought Bet back to Coronation Street for eight episodes, and then another seven in 2003.
The actor remains a patron of Willow Wood Hospice in Greater Manchester.
More to follow
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments