Coronation Street legend breaks silence on coming out of retirement 27 years after soap exit for new film
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
A CORONATION Street legend has addressed coming out of retirement 27 years after leaving the soap.
The 95-year-old star had a 26-year stint on the cobbles before leaving in 1997.
Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter
Sign up
4
Coronation Street legend Thelma Barlow came out of retirement for a new film
Credit: Birdie Films
4
Thelma played Corrie icon Mavis Wilton for 26 years
Credit: Rex
4
The character regularly appeared opposite her boss Rita
Credit: ITV
Actress Thelma Barlow - known to Corrie viewers as Mavis Wilton - has come out of retirement for a new film.
Titled Sleepless in Settle, the 22 minute film sees Thelma star as Barbara.
The character tries to find a romantic partner for her middle-aged son Alan (Graham Turner) - but with comedic hijinks along the way.
Speaking to Radio Times, Thelma addressed what tempted her to join the project.
It comes as the star's friend, writer/director Judy Flynn, created the part of Barbara specifically for her.
Thelma said: 'I was familiar with her work and knew it would be good.
"The characters are so well drawn, it was a joy.
"Good writing is easy to learn, there are some lovely lines that reminded me of when I joined Coronation Street.'
The premise sees Barbara worried that she has not got much time left on earth and scared her son will be left completely alone after her passing.
After watching hit film Sleepless in Seattle, she decided that she needed to find her son a nice wife to keep him company.
Coronation Street legend Thelma Barlow teases soap return and reveals Helen Worth's 'fears' after Gail Platt exit revealed
Unfortunately she gets a lot more interest than she was expecting and it's not long until he found out.
It's set in the North Yorkshire town of Settle, which the star moved to after she departed the award-winning serial drama.
The film was shot in three days, on location in Rye, East Sussex, with a small crew.
As for Coronation Street, Thelma's character Mavis was originally intended to be a one-off appearance.
She became a regular after impressing both viewers and producers - establishing a long-running partnership with Rita Sullivan (Barbara Knox).
Following the death of husband Derek Wilton (Peter Baldwin), Mavis left Weatherfield to run a guest house in the Lake District.
Viewers may also recognise Thelma for playing Dolly Bellfield in BBC sitcom Dinnerladies.
She featured in all 16 episodes, spanning from 1998 until the show concluded in 2000.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Herald Scotland
an hour ago
- The Herald Scotland
Emmerdale and Coronation Street cancelled tonight by ITV
If you're an ardent viewer of these programmes and want to know why they are not on, here is everything you need to know. Emmerdale and Coronation Street cancelled tonight amid schedule change Emmerdale and Coronation Street have been axed from the ITV schedule tonight in favour of the International friendly football match between Senegal and England at City Ground. According to the Radio Times, the game will be presented by Mark Pougatch, Roy Keane and Ian Wright. The match will kick off at 7.45pm, forcing both shows off-screen. Next week: Debbie makes a heartbreaking confession to her family, Lisa puts Brody in a dangerous position, and Theo snaps at Todd. Read more here: — Coronation Street (@itvcorrie) June 9, 2025 Recommended Reading: When will Emmerdale and Coronation Street next be on? Fans of the two shows will not have long to wait, as they will next air tomorrow (Wednesday, June 11) during their usual time slots, with Emmerdale starting at 7.30pm and Corrie at 8pm, according to The Sun. The summary for the Yorkshire-based soap's new episode states: "The police arrive with a search warrant, Tracy accuses Cain, and Vinny slips up." The Corrie one, on the other hand, reads: "Lisa is forced to step in when Kit fails to attend Craig's memorial, Lou heeds Gary's words of wisdom, Carla catches Betsy snooping, and Todd feels like Theo's lowest priority." Episodes of Emmerdale and Coronation Street can be watched and streamed on ITV, STV, ITVX and STV Player.
North Wales Chronicle
2 hours ago
- North Wales Chronicle
BBC EastEnders: When did it begin and will it ever end?
The soap opera is also one of the most popular in the UK, standing among other TV titans like Coronation Street and Emmerdale. Whether you are a seasoned fan or someone just getting into the programme, you may be interested in learning more about this British institution. EastEnders came on the scene much later than its rivals, first airing on February 19, 1985, according to the BBC. The Manchester-based drama Coronation Street, on the other hand, is the longest-running television soap opera in the UK, first airing in 1960. At the moment, there is no immediate indication that the BBC show will come to an end, with the programme averaging a viewership of around five million. The Irish News states that it is also the most-watched show on iPlayer, securing its position in the broadcaster's roster of shows. Those wanting to watch every episode of EastEnders from 1985 onwards may have a tricky time. Episodes from 2008 to the current day can be accessed on BBC iPlayer, while those wanting to watch a limited number of installations before this time can do so on platforms like U and Drama on Freeview and Sky. However, some of "the all-time greatest doof doofs, deaths and dramas" of the classic era are available in the form of compilations on iPlayer. One fan on Reddit also recommended searching through eBay for sales of DVDs and videos. They said: "Search eBay on the regular as offers for full years or the whole Archive are often available for limited periods." The user added: "This can be pricey, however, so explore what offers there are and what years you really want." Forums may also be an option, with fans able to put out requests for older episodes.
Rhyl Journal
2 hours ago
- Rhyl Journal
BBC EastEnders: When did it begin and will it ever end?
The soap opera is also one of the most popular in the UK, standing among other TV titans like Coronation Street and Emmerdale. Whether you are a seasoned fan or someone just getting into the programme, you may be interested in learning more about this British institution. EastEnders came on the scene much later than its rivals, first airing on February 19, 1985, according to the BBC. The Manchester-based drama Coronation Street, on the other hand, is the longest-running television soap opera in the UK, first airing in 1960. At the moment, there is no immediate indication that the BBC show will come to an end, with the programme averaging a viewership of around five million. The Irish News states that it is also the most-watched show on iPlayer, securing its position in the broadcaster's roster of shows. Those wanting to watch every episode of EastEnders from 1985 onwards may have a tricky time. Episodes from 2008 to the current day can be accessed on BBC iPlayer, while those wanting to watch a limited number of installations before this time can do so on platforms like U and Drama on Freeview and Sky. However, some of "the all-time greatest doof doofs, deaths and dramas" of the classic era are available in the form of compilations on iPlayer. One fan on Reddit also recommended searching through eBay for sales of DVDs and videos. They said: "Search eBay on the regular as offers for full years or the whole Archive are often available for limited periods." The user added: "This can be pricey, however, so explore what offers there are and what years you really want." Forums may also be an option, with fans able to put out requests for older episodes.
