Bet Gilroy would come back to the Street for Jack Duckworth

Julie Goodyear, who played Bet Lynch/Gilroy in Corrie from 1970-95 and 2002-3, has revealed that there's one man who could persuade her to come back to Coronation Street - Jack Duckworth. She says, "The only thing that would tempt me back is when Bill Tarmey decides he's had enough. I can imagine Bet going up the Street in a taxi, winding the window down and saying: 'You. Get in. We're going.' What a cliffhanger. I think they've always kept in touch, but listen, that's only me." But she rules out any idea of a full-time return to the show because she's happy with her life now. "Scott [her husband] and I have a wonderful life on our farm. We have about 18 rescue horses, in fact we seem to attract all the strays - dogs, horses, cats, even men. It's like they all want to come to mother, and know that I'll invite them in and put the kettle on."

She also says she's kicked a lifelong habit - she's stopped smoking. "I haven't even had one slip-up, but I sidle up to people who are smoking just to get the smell of it," she says.