Coronation Street's Julie Goodyear's husband shares rare picture of star on 83rd birthday

The spouse of Coronation Street icon Julie Goodyear has provided a touching update on the actress' birthday as she continues her fight with dementia. Julie, who is fondly remembered for her role as Bet Lynch, the straight-talking landlady of the Rovers Return, marked her 83rd birthday alongside husband Scott Brand on March 29.

Scott, 55, shared a seldom-seen photo of Julie from their residence on the fringes of Lancashire, writing: "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."

He posted this message on his Facebook page, where he and Julie regularly share updates with their devoted fans, friends, and family.

Julie, who graced the cobbles for over a quarter of a century, revealed her dementia diagnosis last March. Since then, the soap star and her husband have sold their £1.3m property and have been receiving assistance from the Alzheimer's Society charity.

The couple, set to celebrate their 18th wedding anniversary in June, were last seen beaming and embracing at the starting line of their local Alzheimer's Society event in October 2023, reports the Mirror.

Their paths first crossed 29 years ago when Scott delivered plaster to Julie's house during its renovation.

Reflecting on Julie's diagnosis last year, Scott confided to the Mirror: "Julie has always been extremely glamorous, going nowhere without her make-up.

"But now the lipsticks and make-up go unworn, and clothes are no longer of interest, especially the leopard print.

"I miss the fun-loving wife that Julie had always been – the larger-than-life personality that brightened up everywhere she went, and the smile that lit up every room.

"All of this is now slowly fading away and it's extremely painful for me to watch this deterioration."

Speaking about the Alzheimer's Society's support, Scott described his struggle with the reality of the situation: "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, the enchanting Julie embarked on her career first as a model in the swinging sixties, before taking the leap into acting in 1965. She graced the screens of 'Coronation Street' at the age of 24 in 1966, featuring in nine episodes initially, but later secured her place as a household name from 1970 to 1995.

However, much to her fans' delight, Julie made a sensational comeback to 'Coronation Street' in 2002 and 2003 after her initial departure. Post-'Corrie', Julie showcased her versatility in shows such as 'Celebrity Big Brother' in 2012 and a guest appearance in 'Hollyoaks' in 2006.

Julie's outstanding contributions to television earned her a Lifetime Achievement Award at the National Television Awards in 1995, followed by an appointment as an MBE in 1996 for her services to television and drama.

Transitioning from the spotlight, Julie dedicated herself to philanthropy post-retirement, notably becoming a patron of Manchester's Willow Wood Hospice in 2022, where her former co-star Roy Barraclough passed away in 2017.

The Queen of the Rovers contributed to raising £16,000 for the hospice by donating a collection of iconic memorabilia, which included Bet Lynch's renowned jewellery and clothing items.