ITV Coronation Street’s Eileen Derbyshire, 93, ‘well looked after’ as son shares rare update on star amid ‘issues’
Coronation Street legend Eileen Derbyshire, who portrayed Weatherfield stalwart Emily Bishop for a whopping 55 years, is said to be “well looked after and happy” after her family provided an update 10 years after her departure from the soap.
Derbyshire, 93, last appeared on the ITV soap in 2019 via a video call, but hasn’t officially been on the show since 2016.
Derbyshire’s son, Oliver Holt, recently shared a sweet update about his mother, whom Coronation Street fans still ask after.
“[My mother is] private,” he told The Times, adding: “and one of the last of a dying breed of old-fashioned actresses who do it for the love of acting, not for all the attendant publicity.”
Back at my mum’s place. Found this packed away. Halcyon days of Coronation Street pic.twitter.com/yfbX3MhhIe
— Oliver Holt (@OllieHolt22) March 12, 2025
Even when she was a regular on the world’s longest-running soap, Derbyshire rarely gave public interviews or appeared in the spotlight outside of her scenes on the show.
Another update from her son came via X, formerly Twitter, when Holt shared two sweet throwback photos he had come across.
Sharing a snap of the 1969 cast, which included his mother, Holt penned: “Back at my mum’s place. Found this packed away. Halcyon days of Coronation Street.”
A second snap depicted another cast photo as the stars of the time celebrated the soap’s 30th anniversary.
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He wrote alongside the second picture: “Still in its wrapping – photo marking 30th anniversary of the start of the Street.”
The historic captures piqued fans’ interest about Derbyshire, with some taking to the comments to inquire about the legendary actress.
“I’m loving these memories, but is your Mum okay?” one wrote, to which Holt responded: “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.”
Derbyshire made her debut appearance on the soap back in 1961, bringing the popular character of Emily to life.
Her decision to remain out of the public eye extended to missing award ceremonies and red-carpet events her fellow cast members attended.
Still in its wrapping – photo marking 30th anniversary of the start of the Street pic.twitter.com/aEKg791Ntg
— Oliver Holt (@OllieHolt22) March 12, 2025
The actress’ work was honoured in 2010 when she was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her services to drama.
Her final scenes in the soap saw her briefly appearing in a special appearance via a video call for Ken Barlow’s (William Roache) 80th birthday.
While many long-term fans have expressed hope Emily might return to the cobbles, it seems unlikely given Derbyshire’s lengthy period away from the soap, and her son’s recent updates.
Recent months on the soap have seen several changes being made, with multiple stars “axed” from the programme.
It’s been reported cast members are growing concerned about being axed to save money while the show prioritises keeping its highest-paid performers.
It comes as five actors have recently departed the series, with more cuts potentially looming.
Charlotte Jordan became the latest star to announce her departure from the soap after five years playing Daisy Midgeley.
Sue Cleaver, who portrayed Eileen Grimshaw for 25 years, revealed earlier in the year she would be leaving to pursue new acting projects, with Colson Smith following suit and confirming he will exit his role as police officer Craig Tinker in 2025 after 14 years on the show.