Amanda Barrie has opened up about getting older and losing friends as the Coronation Street legend celebrates her 91st birthday. The actress, who played much-loved character Alma Baldwin in the ITV soap, has reflected on her life and career as she reaches the milestone.
Barrie, who has continued working well into her 90s, told The Mirror that getting older had inevitably meant saying goodbye to people close to her. She said: "I've lost so many friends. And I never delete people from my phone who've died. I've got a full phone."
A Career Spanning Seven Decades
Barrie also described herself as fortunate to have reached 91 and continued to work throughout her later years. The actress has enjoyed a career spanning more than seven decades, becoming a household name through roles in film, television and theatre.
She first found fame in the 1960s, appearing in several of the Carry On films before joining the cast of Coronation Street. Barrie made her debut as Alma in 1981 and remained on the cobbles for two decades, becoming one of the soap's most recognisable stars.
Life on the Cobbles
Her character was married to Mike Baldwin, played by Johnny Briggs, and was at the centre of several major storylines during her time on the programme. Alma eventually died after being diagnosed with cervical cancer, with Barrie's final scenes airing in 2001.
Barrie told The Mirror: "We need things like Coronation Street, because everything's so sort of isolated now. And I think things like Coronation Street really bring people together."
Life Beyond Weatherfield
Away from Weatherfield, Barrie has appeared in a string of television shows including Bad Girls, Benidorm and Casualty. She also returned to the public eye through reality television, appearing on Celebrity Big Brother in 2014.
Barrie has remained busy in recent years, with her memoir I'm Still Here offering an insight into her extraordinary life and career. She has also continued to speak openly about her personal life, including her bisexuality and her relationship with crime writer Hilary Bonner. The couple married in 2014 and have continued to share a busy life together, with Barrie previously describing herself as someone who enjoys keeping active and trying new things.
Still Going Strong
Her attitude to ageing has also been reflected in her willingness to continue working. The actress has spoken about the importance of remaining curious and not allowing nerves to prevent her from taking on new opportunities. She recently appeared in an advertising campaign marking Irn-Bru's 125th anniversary, taking part in a London event involving a distinctive orange scooter.
Barrie's career has seen her work alongside some of Britain's best-known entertainers and remain a familiar face to generations of television viewers. More than 20 years after leaving Coronation Street, she is still closely associated with Alma and regularly reflects on the role that made her a household name. Now, as she celebrates her 91st birthday, Barrie appears determined to keep enjoying life while appreciating just how much has changed throughout her long career.
