In a moving and deeply personal revelation, former Coronation Street star Lisa George has shared the heartbreaking health struggle that ultimately forced her to abandon her acting career and leave the beloved ITV series.
The actress, best known to millions of viewers as Beth Sutherland on the long-running Manchester-based soap, disclosed that a severe eye condition has left her with significantly impaired vision, making it impossible to continue performing.
The Diagnosis That Changed Everything
George revealed she's been diagnosed with a rare combination of two serious eye conditions: a cataract and cornea damage. "My eyes are buggered, to put it bluntly," the actress stated with characteristic northern honesty. "I've got a cataract in one eye and my cornea is damaged in the other."
The condition has progressed to the point where she struggles with basic daily tasks. "I can't read anymore, and I can't see people's faces properly," she explained, highlighting the devastating impact on both her professional and personal life.
A Career Cut Short
The visual impairment made continuing her role on Coronation Street increasingly challenging. "I was struggling to see the autocue, and I couldn't see the other actors," George confessed, describing the practical difficulties she faced on set.
Her final scenes as Beth Sutherland aired earlier this year, marking the end of an era for both the actress and her legion of fans. During her nine-year tenure on the show, George became a firm favourite with viewers, bringing both comedy and drama to the cobbles.
Looking to the Future
Despite the career-ending nature of her condition, Lisa remains remarkably positive. She's currently exploring new vocational paths that accommodate her visual limitations, including potential opportunities in radio broadcasting.
Her courageous decision to speak openly about her health battle serves as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges, proving that even when one door closes, others can open with resilience and determination.
