Coronation Street fans have received a rare update on former star Eileen Derbyshire, 93, who played Emily Bishop for over five decades. Her son, sports journalist Oliver Holt, shared a series of photos on X showcasing memorabilia from his mother's home, prompting well-wishers to ask about her health.
In response to one inquiry, Holt wrote: 'She's doing ok, Matthew. It's kind of you to ask. She's 93 now so she has a few issues but she's well looked after and is happy.' The update comes nearly a decade after Derbyshire left the ITV soap in 2016, with a brief cameo in 2019 for Ken Barlow's 80th birthday.
Former co-star Antony Cotton, who has played Sean Tully since 2003, also reacted, writing: 'Hey Oliver. Please give my love to your mum - we miss her very much x.' Holt replied: 'Thanks very much, Antony. I will.'
Among the memorabilia shared was a black-and-white photo of Derbyshire outside the Rovers Return with late co-stars Pat Phoenix, Doris Speed and Betty Driver. Another image marked the soap's 30th anniversary. Holt also posted a 1965 newspaper article announcing his parents' marriage.
