She dazzled the cobbles... but now the leopard print and makeup 'goes unworn' by Corrie's Julie Goodyear
21.03.2024 - 09:33
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
As no-nonsense landlady Bet Lynch, actress Julie Goodyear lit up our screens. The Coronation Street star, from Heywood, took her first steps on ITV's famous cobbles in 1966.
She then enjoyed a 25-year run from 1970, while Corrie was at the height of its popularity, and later returned for a number of appearances. And while Bet Lynch was a character created at Granada Studios, Julie's vivacious personality won the nation's hearts.
Her dazzling outfits, make-up and jewellery became iconic. But in a heartbreaking interview with the Mirror, Julie's husband Scott Brand has revealed how the 81-year-old star's battle with dementia has turned those symbolic items into a thing of the past.
READ MORE: Julie Goodyear's husband says Coronation Street star is 'slowly fading away'
"Julie has always been extremely glamorous, going nowhere without her makeup," he said. "But now the lipsticks and makeup go unworn, and clothes are no longer of interest, especially the leopard print."
Julie's story is another devastating reality showing how cruel dementia is. Celebrity Big Brother viewers saw Julie's sharp wit and humour as she entered the house in her trademark attire back in 2012.
The legendary leopard print was even used as a punishment on the reality show - as she had her coats, leggings and hats confiscated for breaking Big Brother rules by discussing nominations. As she lit a cigarette with a bejewelled, leopard-print lighter during a 2006 interview, she winked as she told Wales Online: "There's got to be a bit of leopard somewhere."
Julie described how it formed part of her character, and how she was often 'so much happier being Bet' while starring in Coronation Street, against a personal life which saw three divorces take their