Dame Maureen Lipman Addresses Coronation Street Return with Storyline Demand
As she approaches her 80th birthday, Dame Maureen Lipman has opened up about her career, personal life, and a potential return to Coronation Street, insisting on a meaningful storyline. The acclaimed actress, known for her frank and witty demeanor, reveals her diverse tastes and reflections on fame in an exclusive interview.
Ready for a "Bloody Big Part" at 80
Dame Maureen Lipman, on the cusp of turning 80, declares she is now prepared for a "bloody big part" in her acting career. She humorously notes that competition diminishes with age, citing British actress Thelma Ruby, who at 100 is eager for any role. First, she will star in the new comedy Allegra, playing an ageing eccentric who spontaneously bursts into song. The play debuts in Brighton on May 12, just two days after her birthday, before touring the UK. She describes the role as a joyous challenge, stating, "This play is so joyous and I am a miserable bugger. Now, you’re really going to find out if I can act or not!"
Fandom and Insights on Fame
With a rich life story, Dame Maureen shares her admiration for pop star Harry Styles, praising his cleverness and balance in handling fame. She explains, "Harry is very clever. He knows what not to do. You have to strike a very careful balance, as if you are too nice, the women won’t fancy you. If you are too bad, then you won’t be able to work." She also enjoys the Take That documentary on Netflix, reflecting on the struggles of fame, noting that figures like John Lennon or Robbie Williams often find it isolating.
Personal Life and Late Marriage
Dame Maureen's personal life is as vibrant as her career. She recently married David Turner, 79, co-founder of LA Fitness, after a 60-year connection that began when they met as teenagers. She recalls, "I first met David when he was 17. I was 16. We reconnected decades later at a lunch for elderly singles, and it felt like we had known each other all our lives." Their wedding featured unique elements, including a vintage car and a Scrabble-themed cake, with Dame Maureen proposing on bended knee in 2024. She describes David as funny and deeply religious, with their families blending seamlessly.
Coronation Street Sabbatical and Future Plans
Currently on a sabbatical from Coronation Street, where her character Evelyn Plummer is studying law at university, Dame Maureen expresses love for the show but demands a proper storyline for her return. She states, "I love Corrie but I don’t know when I am going back. They asked me at Christmas. I said, 'I will come back, but you will have to give me a proper storyline. I am not just coming back to stand in the Rovers Return and say, 'I’m back'. Who cares?'" She believes acting opportunities for women are abundant today, joking, "You can’t crawl across the television without encountering a woman detective, woman coroner, woman policeman or a woman CID. So, feel sorry for men!"
Looking Ahead to 80 and Beyond
As her 80th birthday approaches, Dame Maureen humorously suggests her husband might gift her a naughty parrot like Judi Dench's, which says rude phrases. Looking to the future, she hopes for a Netflix documentary about her life, describing it as "very dramatic." With Allegra set to tour and her eyes on a significant role, she remains passionate about acting, stating, "I never had a plan. I just love being an actress."
