Coronation Street viewers were left in tears after the soap seemed to deliver a significant update regarding Bet Lynch.

Bet (Julie Goodyear) stood as one of the programme’s most iconic figures, first appearing back in 1966 before becoming a permanent fixture from 1970 onwards. As the beloved Rovers Return landlady, Bet featured in numerous major plotlines.

Her turbulent romantic history and the tragic loss of her long-lost son ensured her Weatherfield years were packed with emotional turmoil. Bet departed in 1995, only to make a surprising return in 2002.

However, the legend made her final bow a year later, when she travelled to Brighton alongside Liz McDonald (Beverley Callard) to manage a seaside establishment. Since that moment, Bet has remained absent from our screens – though her name has cropped up in conversations on multiple occasions throughout the years.

This week, however, the show seemed to provide fresh information about the cherished former character, reports the Daily Star.

During Wednesday’s instalment (October 1), Jenny Bradley (Sally Ann Matthews) chose to depart the cobbles following several challenging months which saw her step down from her treasured role as Rovers Return landlady. Jenny has subsequently taken up residence with Rita Tanner (Barbara Knox) and secured employment at The Kabin.

Reflecting on her initial period behind the bar, Jenny revealed to George Shuttleworth (Tony Maudsley): “Bet Lynch gave it me [the job], well, Bet Gilroy she was then. And I’d watch her swanning around Queen B, in this world that was all hers. And I never imagined one day that would be me.”

Later on, as Jenny and Rita bid their farewells, Jenny once more brought up Bet. She declared: “If I can go from being a slip of a barmaid at Bet Lynch’s beck and call to landlady clanging that bell every night then there isn’t nothing I can’t do!”

Rita then responded: “Well, that’s one thing you had in common with Bet Lynch – defiant. Sup up and get off!”. Nevertheless, viewers now can’t help but wonder if the soap has provided an update on Bet, following Rita’s remark.

On a Coronation Street Facebook fan page, one viewer asked: “Bet Lynch gets a lot of mentions in tonight’s episode, does anyone know if the character is dead or what happened to her?”.

Another fan interjected and highlighted: “I’m not sure but did you hear Rita refer to Bet in past tense?”. A third commented: “Yeah I noticed that. Really hope she isn’t dead.” Someone else added: “She probably died then.” A fifth expressed: “That would be so sad.”

Beyond the soap, actress Julie is presently living with dementia. Her husband Scott Brand, who wed Julie in 2007, initially revealed she had dementia in June 2023 and has continued updating fans on her condition.

This year, he posted a photograph of the soap star captured at their home on the outskirts of Lancashire. The Corrie legend was pictured beaming as she marked her 83rd birthday on March 29 with Scott, her spouse of nearly 18 years.

Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX