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95-year-old Coronation Street star comes out of retirement

95-year-old Coronation Street star comes out of retirement

Rhyl Journal29-04-2025
Actress Thelma Barlow, who is known for playing Mavis Wilton on the ITV show, had a 26-year run on the programme before leaving in 1997.
Now, the star has revealed she is starring in a new film called 'Sleepless in Settle'.
According to the Radio Times, the 22-minute film sees Thelma star as Barbara, a character trying to find a romantic partner for her middle-aged son Alan (Graham Turner).
The Coronation Street legend told the magazine that she was excited to join the project and revealed what tempted her to take part.
She shared that the role of Barbara was specifically created for her by her friend, writer and director Judy Flynn.
The ITV actress 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.'
New Coronation Street star breaks silence after backlash to 'affair'
Coronation Street star gives birth to first baby and shares 'gorgeous' name
Coronation Street star to return to soap after 25 years - but there's a twist
The movie sees the character Barbara worrying that she does not have a lot of time left, leaving her terrified that her son will be left alone when she is gone.
After watching Sleepless in Seattle, she comes to the conclusion that she needs to find her son a wife.
Unfortunately, her efforts attract a high volume of interest, and she is found out.
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