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Julie Goodyear’s husband has revealed his heartbreak at watching his wife ‘slowly fade away’ during her battle against dementia.

The actress, 81, announced her devastating diagnosis in June last year, with her husband Scott Brand, 55, saying at the time that they had ‘come to terms’ with the ‘heartbreaking’ news. 

Julie is famed for playing leopard-print loving Rovers Return landlady Bet Lynch in Coronation Street for over 25 years, starting in the role in 1966. 

She left the cobbles in November 2003 and was awarded an MBE for her services to drama in 1996.

Scott opened up on the pain of watching his wife deteriorate, admitting she has abandoned her trademark leopard print outfits and colourful lipsticks.

Julie Goodyear's husband has revealed his heartbreak at watching his wife 'slowly fade away' during her battle against dementia (pictured together last year)

Julie Goodyear’s husband has revealed his heartbreak at watching his wife ‘slowly fade away’ during her battle against dementia (pictured together last year)

The actress, 81, announced her devastating diagnosis in June last year, with her husband Scott Brand, 55, saying at the time that they had 'come to terms' with the 'heartbreaking' news (pictured in 2011)

The actress, 81, announced her devastating diagnosis in June last year, with her husband Scott Brand, 55, saying at the time that they had ‘come to terms’ with the ‘heartbreaking’ news (pictured in 2011) 

Julie is famed for playing leopard-print loving Rovers Return landlady Bet Lynch in Coronation Street for over 25 years, starting in the role in 1966 (pictured on show)

Julie is famed for playing leopard-print loving Rovers Return landlady Bet Lynch in Coronation Street for over 25 years, starting in the role in 1966 (pictured on show)

Speaking to The Mirror, he 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 added: ‘Julie has always been extremely glamorous, going nowhere without her makeup. But now the lipsticks and make-up go unworn, and clothes are no longer of interest, especially the leopard print.’

Scott said that he misses the activities they used to enjoy, such as romantic meals and long walks, with the hardest being unable to go on holidays together anymore.

He got candid about the hardships he faced as Julie’s sole carer at the beginning, admitting it was ‘killing me’.

Scott, who gave up his career to be Julie’s full time carer, explained that he has now become aware of the small freedoms he used to take for granted.

He said that going to watch the football with friends or having a drink were no longer options, as everything has to be planned far in advance and he needs to always be sober in case there’s an emergency and he has to drive. 

He said: ‘For me, the hardest part was accepting and coming to terms with the diagnosis. At the beginning I refused to accept any support, thinking I could cope as we have always been quite private people.’

However, Scott soon realised that he needed help and admitted he was ‘not coping’, while taking over the household affairs and finances from Julie for the first time.

Scott opened up on the pain of watching his wife deteriorate, admitting she has abandoned her trademark leopard print outfits and colourful lipsticks (pictured as Bet in 1992)

Scott opened up on the pain of watching his wife deteriorate, admitting she has abandoned her trademark leopard print outfits and colourful lipsticks (pictured as Bet in 1992)

Scott said that he misses the activities they used to enjoy, such as romantic meals and long walks, with the hardest being unable to go on holidays together anymore (couple pictured in 2004

Scott said that he misses the activities they used to enjoy, such as romantic meals and long walks, with the hardest being unable to go on holidays together anymore (couple pictured in 2004

He said: ‘Caring for Julie is my priority, but my health was being affected and as a lone carer I felt it was ‘killing me’. It was like being thrown into a new world of having to do everything by myself.’

He said that he would advise anyone going through a similar situation to accept help straight away, calling the Alzheimer’s Society, a ‘lifeline’.

Scott explained the charity provided a Dementia Advisor, Julie Mann, who helped them sort their affairs and get the right care package and financial entitlements, saying she helped ‘take such a burden off our shoulders’.

Scott and Julie tied the knot in 2007, having first met in 1996 when he delivered plaster to a house she was renovating.

Appearing on Piers Morgan‘s Life Stories back in 2013, she revealed that he proposed to her every day for 11 years before she accepted.

Julie said: ‘I might renew his contract. He’s been the best of a bad bunch, he really has.’ Asked if she was happily married, she responded: ‘Very.’

She married her first husband, Ray Sutcliffe in 1960, while pregnant with her son, Gary, who she gave birth to when she was just 17.

However, the marriage ended just three years later when her husband walked out.

Julie appeared on Piers Morgan's Life Stories back in 2013, where she revealed that Scott proposed to her every day for 11 years before she accepted (pictured)

Julie appeared on Piers Morgan’s Life Stories back in 2013, where she revealed that Scott proposed to her every day for 11 years before she accepted (pictured)

Scott announced the news Julie had been diagnosed with dementia last June, with a statement that read: 'My darling wife and I have had to come to terms with this heart-breaking diagnosis'

Scott announced the news Julie had been diagnosed with dementia last June, with a statement that read: ‘My darling wife and I have had to come to terms with this heart-breaking diagnosis’ 

In 1973 she married secretary Tony Rudman, but he then ran off with his best man on their wedding day, leaving her so distraught she spent a month in a mental health clinic.

In 1979, Julie was diagnosed with cervical cancer and given just one year to live, but recovered.

She was then married to airline executive Richard Skrob for just two years between 1985 and 1987.

Scott announced the news Julie had been diagnosed with dementia last summer, releasing a statement that read: ‘My darling wife and I have had to come to terms with this heart-breaking 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.

‘We have taken the decision to publicly announce the diagnosis as Julie still loves visiting friends and eating out. 

‘Inevitably she is recognised, and fans love to meet her – and she them – but she can get confused particularly if she is tired. I hope people will understand.’

In December 2020, Julie paid tribute to fellow soap actress, EastEnders star Dame Barbara Windsor (pictured on soap in 1994), who died following her own battle with Alzheimer's disease, aged 83

In December 2020, Julie paid tribute to fellow soap actress, EastEnders star Dame Barbara Windsor (pictured on soap in 1994), who died following her own battle with Alzheimer’s disease, aged 83 

She wrote on Facebook: 'From one former landlady to another I raise a glass to the one and only and truly irreplaceable Barbara Windsor'

She wrote on Facebook: ‘From one former landlady to another I raise a glass to the one and only and truly irreplaceable Barbara Windsor’

Julie remains a patron of Willow Wood Hospice in Greater Manchester and has said she wishes to highlight the wonderful work of the hospices who do so much to support patients and families with dementia.

In December 2020, Julie paid tribute to fellow soap actress, EastEnders star Dame Barbara Windsor, who died following her own battle with Alzheimer’s disease, aged 83.

She wrote on Facebook: ‘Last night was so devastating for everyone in the industry who was ever lucky enough to meet Barbara let alone work along side her. 

‘She was a national treasure. That word is thrown around too casually nowadays. But with Barbara it was well and truly meant. Thoughts are with her family and friends.

‘From one former landlady to another I raise a glass to the one and only and truly irreplaceable Barbara Windsor. 

‘The laughs your gave over the years and the stellar performance you executed week in week out in your pub in the East End of London lives on.’

Julie first joined Corrie in 1966 as barmaid Bet, but left after being advised by senior cast member Pat Phoenix – who played Elsie Tanner – to get some more acting training.

Julie first joined Corrie in 1966 and then left to get more acting training. She returned in 1970 for 25 years until she left in 1995, when 22 million viewers tuned in to watch her last episode (pictured on soap in 1985)

Julie first joined Corrie in 1966 and then left to get more acting training. She returned in 1970 for 25 years until she left in 1995, when 22 million viewers tuned in to watch her last episode (pictured on soap in 1985)

In 2012, she appeared on Celebrity Big Brother alongside the likes of Julian Clary , MC Harvey, Martin Kemp and Coleen Nolan and came in seventh place (pictured)

In 2012, she appeared on Celebrity Big Brother alongside the likes of Julian Clary , MC Harvey, Martin Kemp and Coleen Nolan and came in seventh place (pictured) 

After joining Oldham’s Repertory Theatre, she returned in 1970 and was a permanent fixture on the cobbles for 25 years until she left in 1995, when 22 million viewers tuned in to watch her last episode.

Julie made three returns as Bet, firstly in 1999 for the home video spin-off The Rover Returns and then again in 2002 and in 2003 for scenes shot in Blackpool as part of a storyline focusing on Liz McDonald and her husband Jim, who had recently escaped from prison.

In 2012, she appeared on Celebrity Big Brother alongside the likes of Julian Clary, MC Harvey, Martin Kemp and Coleen Nolan and came in seventh place. 

Please get in touch with Alzheimer’s Society if you need support on 0333 150 3456 or visit alzheimers.org.uk 

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This post first appeared on Daily mail

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