Julie Goodyear health update: Coronation Street icon has dementia says husband in emotional statement
Julie Goodyear played Bet Lynch in Coronation Street
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Coronation Street actor Julie Goodyear has revealed she is living with dementia.
In a statement released this morning, her husband Scott Brand said: "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.
The star was a well-loved character on the soap
PA
"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. I hope people will understand."
Despite her diagnosis, it has been confirmed that Goodyear will remain a patron of Willow Wood Hospice in Greater Manchester.
She wishes to highlight the wonderful work of the hospices who do so much to support patients and families with dementia.
The actress first appeared as Bet on Coronation Street for nine episodes in 1966 before becoming a series regular from 1970 until 1995 when 22 million viewers tuned in to watch her last episode.
In 1979, she left the soap temporarily after being diagnosed with cervical cancer, prompting her to set up the Julie Goodyear Cancer Screening Centre.
The last time she appeared on the soap was in 2003, where she appeared for a further seven episodes after quitting due to the major changes in shooting schedules.
Following her departure from the soap, Julie appeared in Hollyoaks, playing a character named Mrs Temple in a single episode of the Channel 4 serial, which aired in 2006.
Goodyear starred as Bet Lynch for 25 years
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Her personal life has been as colourful as her on screen character with Goodyear married a total of four times.
However, the star finally found lasting love when she met Scott Brand, and the couple tied the knot in 2007.
They first met in 1996 when he delivered plaster to a house she was renovating, with the soap star admitting that she only agreed to walk down the aisle again after he proposed to her every day for 11 years.
"I might renew his contract. He’s been the best of a bad bunch, he really has" she said in an interview with Piers Morgan.