In a stunning revelation that has shocked the entertainment world, Coronation Street icon Julie Goodyear has admitted to fabricating key details about her first marriage for decades.
The beloved actress, best known for her iconic portrayal of Bet Lynch on the long-running ITV soap, confessed that she deliberately misled the public about her personal life throughout her career.
The Truth Behind the Legend
Goodyear, now 81, revealed that her actual first marriage was to a man named Tony Rudman in 1961, a fact she had kept hidden from fans and media alike. Instead, she had consistently claimed she married her first husband, Ray Sutcliffe, in 1973.
'I just made it up,' the television legend admitted with startling candour. 'I lied about my first marriage. I didn't want anyone to know about Tony.'
A Life of Secrecy
The deception continued for over half a century, with Goodyear maintaining the false narrative even in her official biography and numerous interviews. Her confession comes as she reflects on her life and career in new interviews, shedding light on the pressures faced by celebrities in the public eye.
'It was easier to lie than to explain the truth,' she explained, revealing the complex reasons behind her decision to conceal her marital history.
Coronation Street Legacy
Julie Goodyear remains one of Coronation Street's most beloved characters, having played the legendary Rovers Return landlady Bet Lynch for over 25 years. Her leopard-print outfits, large earrings, and memorable one-liners made her a household name and television icon.
Despite retiring from the spotlight in recent years, her confession proves that there are still surprising stories to be told from her remarkable life both on and off screen.
