Julie Goodyear’s husband shares new pic and update on Coronation Street icon as she turns 83
The actress, who famously played Rovers Return landlady Bet Lynch for 25 years, announced she was living with dementia in June 2023.
She is being cared for by fourth husband Scott, 55, at their Lancashire home and appeared to be in high spirits on her birthday.
Scott, whom Julie married in 2007, shared a picture of smiling Julie wearing a tracksuit and sitting in a chair inside her bedroom.
He wrote: “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.”
Dementia is a condition that refers to a group of disorders affecting brain function.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form, affecting between 50 and 75 per cent of those diagnosed.
Scott was the one who broke the news, releasing a heartfelt statement.
It read: “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.
Coronation Street icon Julie Goodyear nearly got the sack after sex toy stunt went wrong
“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.”
Julie has been seen infrequently since going public with her diagnosis but last year her friend, Mark Llewellin, said she was living a “good life”.
Speaking on the Conversation Street podcast, he said: “She still loves leopard print, I’m pleased to say.
“I see her at least once a week, sometimes twice a week, and spend a few hours with her and have afternoon tea at her house, which I call leopard print boulevard.
“She’s quite happy, she goes out regularly.
“I take her chocolate cake on a Sunday and we tuck into that – well . . . she doesn’t let me have any to be honest.
“She’s good, obviously she has dementia as everybody knows, but it’s wrong to say you suffer from dementia, you live with dementia.
“It changes what you can do and how you look at life.
“I think Julie has been very brave and strong about that.”
In December it was revealed Julie and Scott had knocked £200,000 off the asking price for their huge Manchester mansion, three months after it went on the market for £1.5million.
The stunning property has stables, wrought iron gates framed by two golden eagles and it even has its own cobbles on the driveway.
Interior shots on property website Zoopla revealed Julie’s love of leopard print evident among the furnishings.
