The News of the World today quotes Betty Driver saying she'll retire from Coronation Street at the end of this year.Betty has worked on Corrie for 41 years and is the oldest cast member, she'll be 90 later this month. According to the tabloid, Betty told a close friend: "If my health holds up I want to get through this year and take a big part in the anniversary celebrations. Then my plans are to put my feet up and have a long overdue rest."
The paper also reports the good news that Betty is on the mend after her recent chest infection, although she was still too poorly to accept in person the Lifetime Achievement Award she won at last night's British Soap Awards.
Although Betty will always be remembered for her trademark hotpots, in real life she's a staunch vegetarian and once admitted: "I couldn't cook a hotpot to save my life!"
Betty is absolutely brilliant and one of my all-time favourites - can understand why she wants to retire (!!) but she will be greatly, greatly missed. Very glad she's feeling a bit better.
ReplyDeleteMhm. Soap royalty in the sense of the word.
ReplyDeleteIt's really sad she's going (if the reports are confirmed) but i guess it's inevitable given her advancing years - and she really does deserve a lovely retirement! It would be lovely if they could give her one final story to tie in with the anniversary - perhaps even see the return of some of Betty's family - be good to see Bill Kenwright back as Gordon, and maybe even Maggie Clegg if the actress is still around?
ReplyDeleteGood for Betty. She'll be remembered very fondly indeed.
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