Coronation Street viewers have received a rare update on soap legend Emily Bishop seven years after her final appearance on the cobbles.
Coronation Street fans have been left emotional after the soap revealed a significant update about cobbles legend Emily Bishop.
Emily (Eileen Derbyshire) first appeared on screens in 1961. As a much-loved Weatherfield resident, she quickly became a fan favourite and a cornerstone of the long-running soap.
Eileen remained with the show until 2016, making her one of the longest-serving actors in UK soap history. Only Bill Roache has had a longer run, having portrayed Ken Barlow since the programme’s very first episode in 1960.
Emily’s departure was written as a trip to Peru to visit family. It was later disclosed that she had settled in Edinburgh, and in 2019, viewers were delighted when she made a surprise appearance in an episode of the ITV soap.
Emily made an appearance when her close friend Ken Barlow marked his 80th birthday at the Rovers Return, surrounded by loved ones. Although she wasn’t there in person, she sent a recorded video message to celebrate the milestone with him.
Since that brief return, Emily hasn’t been seen on screen. However, in Wednesday’s episode (February 18), the soap delivered a significant update about the much-loved character.
In the episode, Rita Tanner (Barbara Knox) told Brian Packham (Peter Gunn) about her recent chat with Emily, confirming that the former Weatherfield resident is alive and well.
“She’s sent me another one!” Rita exclaimed, adding to Brian: “I’ve told you, she keeps sending me spiritual pictures every day via text.” Fans were quick to respond to the Emily news on the soap. On a Coronation Street Facebook fan page, one viewer wrote: “Emily mention tonight!”
Another fan commented: “Ah I loved that [sobbing face emoji],” while a third added: “So happy they still reference Emily. I very much doubt she’ll return, but it’s always nice to hear about her.”
Last year, actress Eileen Derbyshire’s son, sports journalist Oliver, shared an update on his mother’s health, saying she is “well looked after and happy.” He posted on X at the time: “She’s 93 now, so she has a few health issues, but she’s well cared for and happy.”
Oliver also spoke to The Times, describing his mother as “private, and one of the last of a dying breed of old-fashioned actresses who do it for the love of acting, not for all the attendant publicity.”
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