Product Description

For twenty-five years, Julie Goodyear became part of everyone’s family when she played Bet Lynch, the loveable brassy barmaid of the Rovers Return in ‘Coronation Street’. Now, at sixty-four (the age her mother was when she died), Julie feels the time is right to tell her amazing life story.

After Julie's father walked out soon after her birth, Julie was brought up by her mother Alice and stepfather. Her upbringing in Manchester was impoverished but Julie coped largely through the love for her spiritualist grandmother, who Julie would accompany when she was called upon by the local community to lay out the dead. At just thirteen, Julie had to deal with her beloved grandmother’s death when she was found in a canal.

Julie fell pregnant at sixteen, bringing shame and embarrassment, before marrying Ray Sutcliffe. The marriage only lasted three years. In 1966 Julie made a six-week appearance in Coronation Street as Bet Lynch from Elliston's Raincoat Factory, a role which made her Britain's best-loved barmaid and a cultural institution.

In 1979, during a routine check up, Julie discovered she had cervical cancer and had two operations. At the time she was given a year to live. Various liaisons during the ensuing decade included Julie’s first foray into a same sex relationship with her housekeeper.

In 1987 Julie left Coronation Street for a while to nurse her mother Alice who was dying of terminal cancer. Julie finally quit the series on 2 October 1995 after walking away with a lifetime Achievement Award at the first National Television Awards. In 1996 she was awarded an MBE.

Julie’s much anticipated autobiography reveals, for the first time and with incredible candour, the truth, sadness and spirit behind this larger than life woman.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #325051 in Books
• Published on: 2007-03-16
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 368 pages

THE Book Magazine
'a rollercoaster memoir.'

Woman's Own
'Will make you laugh and cry... Priceless!'

Independent on Sunday
'winning memoir'

Customer Reviews

Recommend
Julie Goodyear, one of my favourite soap actresses her life has been hard but she stood proud through adversity. It's hard for the younger generation to realise how society shunned you if you were pregnant at sixteen in the 1940/50s. I have not finished the book yet but so far its as entertaining as she always is, her relationships and life have been turbulent through the years but she has always held her head high and walked with dignity. The book allows you to see a part of her she does not usually show, vulnerability compassion, and a sadness that makes you want to cry. Her character from Corrie is just that, A CHARACTER, Julie is a sensitive caring some times dominant woman, with compassion and strength. I found her very honest even brash at times but some one I would seek as a friend because I feel as a friend she would hold all my secrets. I recommend this title for any who wants a better insite to Julie Goodyear, Actress, survivor.........

Dame Julie Goodyear Please!
"Just Julie" is a brilliant book! They just don't make women and fabulous actresses like her anymore.
Here, the great lady opens her heart and soul and tells the real story behind her incrediable life and long-lasting career. It will make you laugh, smile, cry and appauld her, Ms. Goodyear really is one gutsy lady who has known a lot of heartache and trouble throughout her life as well as her outstanding achievements and acting success but still, she comes across as a cheerful, un-spoilt and down to earth lady with a heart of gold.
This memoir makes for a great read so please do yourself a favour and buy it!

A is for adorable.....
Just Julie is the best autiobiography I've ever read. Its written with immense honesty. I couldnt put the book down as Julie takes you on a journey through her life to date. Julie has always been a favourite for me in Corry but the real life Julie is one formidable woman! If you buy one autiobiography this year - make this the one. Thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to all.