Coronation Street Legend Rules Out Return

Coronation Street legend Thelma Barlow, who played the beloved character of Mavis Wilton for 26 years, has revealed she won't be returning to the cobbles. The 95-year-old actress, who appeared in over 1,200 episodes between 1971 and 1997, recently came out of retirement to star in the short film "Sleepless in Settle," which premiered on June 29th.

Barlow appeared on Good Morning Britain on July 1st alongside the film's director, Judy Flynn, who she previously worked with on the sitcom "Dinnerladies." Discussing the short film, Thelma described it as a "warm, loving, gentle and sweet story."

The presenters, Susanna Reid and Ed Balls, asked Barlow if she would consider a cameo appearance on Coronation Street, especially with her friend Helen Worth (who plays Gail Platt) set to depart the soap soon. However, Barlow firmly stated she wouldn't return, citing the pressure and fear associated with the commercial environment of a large-scale production.

"I would be far too terrified," she said. "I mean this [the short film] was among friends and I would be so frightened to do something that was commercial and in a big studio with everything going on. It would be the pressure of the work that would frighten me to death."

Barlow further explained that the expectation to deliver a perfect performance would be overwhelming. "You know how important it is to get it absolutely perfect," she said, highlighting the difference between working with friends on a smaller project and the high stakes of a major television show.

Although she wouldn't return to Coronation Street, Barlow did share that she and Helen Worth recently caught up at the premiere of "Sleepless in Settle."

Judy Flynn, who directed the film, praised Barlow for her professionalism, stating that she never "dropped a line" during filming. While Thelma may have ruled out a return to the cobbles, her legacy as Mavis Wilton remains a cherished part of Coronation Street history, leaving viewers with fond memories of her iconic character.