Julie Goodyear, best known for playing Bet Lynch in Coronation Street, is battling Alzheimer's disease, with her husband revealing she is 'slowly fading away'. The 84-year-old actress's diagnosis was announced in 2023 by her husband Scott Brand.
Diagnosis and public announcement
Scott Brand, who married Julie in 2007, announced her dementia diagnosis after she had been 'suffering forgetfulness for some time'. In a statement, he said: "My darling wife and I have had to come to terms with this heartbreaking diagnosis. Unfortunately, Julie has been suffering forgetfulness for some time and we have been seeking medical advice and assistance - but we now know that there is no hope of a reversal in the situation and that her condition will get progressively, and perhaps speedily, worse."
The couple decided to go public with the diagnosis as Julie still enjoys visiting friends and eating out, but she can get confused, especially when tired.
Slowly fading away
In 2024, Scott made a devastating admission that his wife was 'slowly fading away'. Speaking to the Mirror, he expressed how painful it was to watch her deterioration, as part of an Alzheimer's Society campaign.
Scott said: "I miss the fun-loving wife that Julie had always been - the larger-than-life personality that brightened up everywhere she went, and the smile that lit up every room. All of this is now slowly fading away and it's extremely painful for me to watch this deterioration."
He also noted that Julie struggles to recognise people and misses simple couple activities like going out for meals and shopping together.
Loss of glamour and care
Julie was renowned for her glamorous image, but dementia has caused her to lose interest in her appearance. Scott revealed: "Julie has always been extremely glamorous, going nowhere without her make-up. But now the lipsticks and make-up go unworn, and clothes are no longer of interest, especially the leopard print."
Scott gave up work to become her full-time carer but admitted he couldn't cope alone. He confessed: "I soon realised I needed to ask for help. Caring for Julie is my priority, but my health was being affected and as a lone carer I felt it was killing me. I would advise anyone going through this journey to accept help straight away."
He expressed gratitude to Alzheimer's Society for providing a Dementia Advisor, calling it a lifeline.
Recent updates and backlash
In April 2025, Scott shared a rare photo of Julie from their home in Lancashire to mark her 83rd birthday. He wrote: "Just got home with my lovely wife and we've had a fantastic day together. Thank you so much for all your birthday wishes from both of us."
The post received support but also backlash, with some branding it 'cruel' and 'disrespectful', leading Scott to delete the image from Facebook.
