Bet Lynch hasn’t appeared on Coronation Street since 2003, but the soap has now hinted at a heartbreaking new update about the iconic character.
Coronation Street fans have been left in tears after the soap appeared to deliver a major update on Bet Lynch.
The iconic character, played by Julie Goodyear, first appeared in 1966 before becoming a regular in 1970. As the much-loved Rovers Return landlady, Bet was central to countless storylines.
From turbulent romances to the heartbreaking loss of her long-lost son, her years in Weatherfield were full of drama. Bet originally departed in 1995 but stunned viewers with a surprise comeback in 2002.
However, just a year later, she made her final appearance when she left for Brighton with Liz McDonald (Beverley Callard) to run a bar. Though she hasn’t been seen since, her name has cropped up several times over the years. This week, Coronation Street seemed to share a new and emotional update about the soap legend.
In Wednesday’s episode (October 1), Jenny Bradley (Sally Ann Matthews) decided to move away from the street following a tough few months. After stepping down from her much-loved role as landlady of the Rovers Return, Jenny has now moved in with Rita Tanner (Barbara Knox) and taken up work at The Kabin.
Looking back on her early days at the Rovers, Jenny shared with George Shuttleworth (Tony Maudsley): “It was Bet Lynch who gave me the job — well, Bet Gilroy as she was then. I used to watch her sweeping around like a queen, completely in her element. I never once thought that one day I’d be the one in her shoes.”
Later, as Jenny and Rita shared an emotional farewell, Bet’s name came up once more. Jenny remarked: “If I can go from being just a young barmaid at Bet Lynch’s beck and call to the landlady ringing that bell every night, then there’s nothing I can’t do!”
Rita responded: “Well, that’s something you and Bet Lynch had in common — defiance. Now finish your drink and be off!”
Following Rita’s remark, many fans now believe Coronation Street has subtly delivered an update on Bet’s character.
On a Coronation Street Facebook fan page, one viewer wrote: “Bet Lynch was mentioned loads in tonight’s episode — does anyone know if the character has died or what actually happened to her?”
Another replied: “I’m not sure, but did you notice Rita referred to Bet in the past tense?” A third commented: “Yeah, I caught that too. I really hope she isn’t dead.” Someone else added: “She probably has then.” While another simply said: “That would be heartbreaking.”
Outside the world of the soap, actress Julie Goodyear is currently living with dementia. Her husband, Scott Brand — who she married in 2007 — revealed the diagnosis in June 2023 and has since shared updates on her condition.
Earlier this year, he posted a photo of Julie at their home on the outskirts of Lancashire. The much-loved Corrie star was smiling as she marked her 83rd birthday on March 29, celebrating with Scott, her husband of nearly 18 years.
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