She was a Coronation Street favourite for a quarter of a century, and now Julie Goodyear has announced that she is to return to the show after a seven-year absence. Starting early this summer, the 59-year-old will once again don the outrageous outfits and oversized earrings of pub landlady Bet Lynch.
The actress greeted the press on Tuesday dressed in a pinstriped suit – a far cry from her Corrie character’s famed fur coats and daring necklines – to confirm what had been rumoured for weeks. “I am delighted and tremendously honoured to be invited back to Coronation Street,” said the actress. “For me it’s like coming home.”
Julie, who is currently starring in touring musical La Cage Aux Folles, left the ITV soap in 1995 after playing brassy Bet for 25 years. “Bet is hugely popular with the fans,” said a spokesperson for the show, “and we are delighted that Julie has agreed to return.”
The details of Julie’s comeback are under wraps, but writers are said to be working on “fantastic” storylines to write her back into the show. “I have no idea what Bet’s re-entrance will be,” said Julie at the press conference, her character’s trademark cigarette holder in hand. “But let’s just say leopards never really change their spots.” And when she was asked about her reported six-figure deal with ITV1, who airs the programme, her response was very clear: “There are two things you never ask a lady – her age and her salary.”
“It’s fantastic to be back,” said the actress as she popped open a bottle of champagne. “You ain’t seen nothing yet.”
Photo: © Alphapress.com
