Julie Goodyear's husband shares rare photo of Coronation Street star two years on from dementia diagnosis
by Kit Heren · LBCBy Kit Heren
Julie Goodyear's husband has shared a touching photo of the Coronation Street star, two years on from her dementia diagnosis.
Listen to this article
Loading audio...
Scott Brand posted the photo of Goodyear, who played Rovers Return landlady Bet Lynch on the soap for 25 years, as she turned 83.
Goodyear announced she had dementia in 2023. Dementia is the name for a group of symptoms associated with an ongoing decline of brain function, according to the NHS. The condition can affect memory, thinking skills and other mental abilities.
Goodyear married Brand, her fourth husband, in 2007.
Brand 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."
Read more: Coronation Street's Julie Goodyear diagnosed with dementia, heartbroken husband reveals
Brand has previously spoken out about the strain that living with a partner with dementia can bring.
Speaking last year, he said: "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," he said.
"All of this is now slowly fading away and it's extremely painful for me to watch this deterioration.
"Julie now struggles recognising people and everyone she meets is called 'Scott'.
"Not being able to spontaneously go out as husband and wife, holding hands as we stroll along, going for meals together and going shopping - all these losses for me symbolise the Long Goodbye."
She was renowned for her trademark leopard-print clothing and glamorous looks both on and off screen, but Brand said dementia has caused a lack of interest in her appearance."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," he said.
Brand said after the diagnosis, which he announced publicly last June, he initially "refused to accept any support" before realising "I couldn't do it by myself".
"I had to give up work to become Julie's full-time carer," he said, "I wasn't coping and needed to seek support.
"Caring for Julie is my priority, but my health was being affected and as a lone carer I felt it was 'killing me'. "Julie had always dealt with the finances but now she cannot even recognise the value of money.
"I was suddenly thrown into having to sort out all the household affairs, something Julie had always managed with ease and perfection.
"It was like being thrown into a new world of having to do everything by myself.
"I would advise anyone going through this journey to accept help straight away."