Maureen Lipman refuses to retire, vowing to keep working in TV and theatre “until my mind goes—or my legs!” At 79, the Coronation Street legend isn’t slowing down anytime soon, despite the soap’s challenges. Will she stay in Weatherfield until she’s 100? What does this mean for Evelyn’s future on Corrie? Find out what’s next for this iconic actress as she celebrates her milestone birthday!
Coronation Street fans, brace yourselves: Maureen Lipman, the beloved Evelyn Plummer, has just made a jaw-dropping vow that she’s NOT going anywhere anytime soon. At 79, the TV legend isn’t ready to call it quits on her iconic role, and she’s vowed to keep working “until my brain goes—or my legs!” This is a promise that has fans cheering as she sets a bold new standard for longevity in showbiz.
In a candid conversation on the 20 Questions podcast, ahead of her 80th birthday next year, Maureen revealed that she has no plans to retire and is determined to continue performing as long as she’s wanted. And while she admits the work may not always be glamorous, saying, “I’m more likely to be asked to be in Carry On Columbus,” Maureen isn’t bitter about it. With decades of experience under her belt, she’s seen it all—and still loves to act.
Her time on Coronation Street as Evelyn Plummer has made her a fan favorite, but Maureen didn’t shy away from criticizing the soap for some of its flaws. In particular, she slammed the show’s lack of consistent direction, saying, “You can’t do anything. It’s almost like radio, but there’s cameras there.” Her frustration stems from the fast-paced nature of soap production, where actors film 8-10 scenes a day with little time to truly immerse themselves in their roles. Maureen explained, “My first day on Coronation Street, I took my coat off, and Barbara [Knox] gently said, ‘We don’t do anything.’” The pressures of working in a soap opera, where speed often trumps depth, can be overwhelming, but Maureen’s love for the character of Evelyn shines through, and she continues to bring her unique flair to Weatherfield.
But it’s not just the rushed filming schedule that has Maureen concerned—she also pointed out the challenges of working with different writers for each episode. “You can only be as good as your writer,” she admitted, noting that the frequent change in scriptwriters has led to inconsistencies in how Evelyn is portrayed. Yet, despite these obstacles, Maureen has remained committed to making her character shine, often having to adjust her lines to make them work. “Every episode is a different writer, so you’re sort of having to fit it into your mouth like a big fur glove,” she said, proving that no challenge is too big for this seasoned pro.
Despite her criticisms of Coronation Street’s fast pace and fluctuating writing quality, Maureen Lipman had nothing but praise for the soap’s casting director, Gennie Radcliffe. “The casting is absolutely brilliant,” she said. “We very rarely get a dud.” This recognition shows that even after decades of work, Maureen still sees the value in the people she works with, ensuring that Coronation Street maintains its high standards in the areas that truly matter.
As for her future, Maureen has no plans of slowing down. She’s thrilled to continue playing Evelyn, one of the soap’s most complex and beloved characters, and as she approaches her 80th birthday, she has no intentions of retiring any time soon. For Maureen, the stage—and the Corrie set—will always be her second home.
With her unwavering determination, Maureen Lipman has proven that age is no barrier to a thriving career in the entertainment industry. So, fans, don’t worry—Evelyn Plummer will still be lighting up our screens for many years to come. Whether it’s the pressures of fast-paced soap operas, the challenge of inconsistent scripts, or the absence of the perfect director, Maureen continues to face it all with grit, grace, and a fierce love for her craft.
And if that’s not the definition of an icon, what is?
