Coronation Street legend Julie Goodyear’s husband Scott Brand has provided an update on her dementia after she was diagnosed with the condition in 2023.
In a new TV advertisement campaign for the Alzheimer’s Society titled ‘The Long Goodbye’ and narrated by Oscar-winner Colin Firth, Brand describes missing “the fun-loving wife” and “larger-than-life personality” that Goodyear had always been (via ITV).
“All of this is now slowly fading away and it’s extremely painful for me to watch this deterioration. Julie now struggles recognising people and everyone she meets is called ‘Scott,'” he says.
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“Not being able to spontaneously go out as husband and wife, holding hands as we stroll along, going for meals together and going shopping – all these losses for me symbolise the Long Goodbye.”
According to her husband, Goodyear’s condition now means she’s less interested in her signature style.
“Julie has always been extremely glamorous, going nowhere without her makeup. But now the lipsticks and makeup go unworn, and clothes are no longer of interest, especially the leopard print,” he says.
Related: Coronation Street‘s William Roache and Julie Goodyear join the tributes to Hilda Ogden star Jean Alexander
Brand says he “refused to accept any support” when his wife originally received her diagnosis, before realising he “couldn’t do it” on his own and subsequently welcoming Dementia Advisers into their lives.
Dementia Advisers are one of the Alzheimer’s Society’s support initiatives, and they aim to provide practical support and advice to those living with dementia and their loved ones.
“I had to give up work to become Julie’s full-time carer,” he said. “I wasn’t coping and needed to seek support.
“Caring for Julie is my priority, but my health was being affected and as a lone carer I felt it was ‘killing me’. Julie had always dealt with the finances but now she cannot even recognise the value of money.
