Soaps

Thelma Barlow, 95, would "never say no" to Coronation Street return

By Neil Wilkes, Editor-in-chief | 02 July 2024

Thelma Barlow says that it is unlikely she would ever return to Coronation Street as Mavis Wilton but does not definitively rule it out.

Coronation Street legend Thelma Barlow has said that it is unlikely she would ever return to the soap but has not definitively ruled it out.

The 95-year-old played the part of loveable Mavis Wilton - best friend and colleague to Rita (Barbara Knox) - on the cobbles from 1971 until 1997, when Mavis chose to leave Weatherfield following the death of husband Derek (Peter Baldwin).

Barlow has continued to act and will soon be seen in the short film Sleepless in Settle, the premiere of which was attended last week by her former Corrie colleague Helen Worth, who will be leaving this Christmas after 50 years in the role of Gail Platt.

"Helen knows [what's next]," Barlow told Good Morning Britain. "She would love some radio I think.

"She said she's too frightened to do other [acting] work and you do get afraid to do other work. If she wants to do radio, I am sure there is some there for her."

Asked about a potential return to the soap - potentially as a cameo for Gail's departure - she replied: "Never say no. I just would be too frightened - the pressure on me to get things absolutely perfect.

"It was fine doing the film with friends because you know they would forgive you immediately."

Sleepless in Settle, a comedy which stars Barlow as a woman trying to find a wife for her son, is being screened at festivals around the UK this summer.

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