Top civic honour for TV soap star
CORRIE legend Julie Goodyear is to be given the freedom of Rochdale.
Julie, who played Rovers Return barmaid landlady Bet Lynch for 25 years, is a life-long resident of Heywood and is being given the honour in recognition of her contribution to the arts and entertainment.
She will be presented with the borough’s highest civic accolade at a special meeting later this year.
Julie, who left Coronation Street in 1995 but made a number fleeting comebacks to the soap, said: “I am honoured, delighted and thrilled to accept this award from Rochdale council.
“I was born in Heywood and lived here all my life and never wanted to leave and live anywhere else so this is a very special award from the council.
“Rochdale is one of the best-known towns in the country and some very famous people have come from here so it will be truly wonderful to be given this honour.”
Rochdale council leader Richard Farnell said: “Coronation Street has always enjoyed a special place in the heart of the nation and many of us grew up watching Julie pulling pints behind the bar of the Rovers Return.
“She is the world’s most famous barmaid who eventually became the second and most iconic landlady of the Rovers and one of the most famous faces of British television.
“As someone who has spent all of her life in Heywood she is a deserving recipient of the highest honour that this council can bestow.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming Julie to the town hall where she will be treated like the star that she is.”
Heywood councillor Peter Rush, who nominated Julie, said: “I have known Julie for many years, including when she lived at the Bay Horse pub with her mother and father.
“She is a brilliant ambassador to Heywood, instantly recognisable with her long blonde hair and sports cars and always good to have around.
“The freedom of the borough is an honour that as a proud Heywoodian she well deserves and it was my pleasure to be one of the people that nominated her.”
Julie will join actor, singer and comedian Dame Gracie Fields; former Heywood and Royton MP and cabinet minister Lord Joel Barnett; Rochdale AFC, and the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers as recipients of the freedom of the borough of Rochdale.