Coronation Street legend Thelma Barlow remembers ‘most difficult time’ on soap 28 years after exit
Soap icon Thelma Barlow has remembered one of her most challenging storylines during her time on Coronation Street
Coronation Street star Thelma Barlow has admitted her love triangle storyline as Mavis Wilton was one of her most challenging times on the long-running soap.
The actress, 96, portrayed Mavis between 1971–1997 on the ITV series for an incredible total of 1,207 episodes.
Barlow made an appearance on Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh today (Sunday, 19th October), reminiscing on some of her most iconic moments from her soap tenure.
Presenter Titchmarsh set the scene: “Then came the romantic involvements.
“I’m going to mention two names here. I’m going to mention Derek and I’m going to mention Victor Pendlebury.”
The names brought out a strong reaction in Barlow, who exclaimed: “Oh! That was a difficult time for me.”
Throughout Mavis’ time on the series, she was primarily romantically involved with Derek (played by Peter Baldwin), eventually marrying in 1988.
However, their relationship was challenged with frequent appearances by Victor (Christopher Coll), who was obsessed with her and formulated schemes to split Mavis and Derek up.
On one occasion, Victor gives Mavis a foot rub, which she enjoys until they’re interrupted by a furious Derek.
After playing the scene in question for Love Your Weekend viewers, Titchmarsh joked: “Caught red-handed by Derek!
“Peter Baldwin was a great double act, there was a great rapport between [you two].”
Thankfully, despite the challenging storylines, Barlow was already well-acquainted with her long-time co-star.
“We had worked together in the theatre,” she recalled. “And that was lovely.
“When he was coming in, I knew I’d got a new man. Mavis had a lot of men in her life!
“And the director said, ‘Come and meet your new lad. He’s someone you used to live with’.”
Barlow gasped and added: “That takes the mind back! And it was Peter, we’d all shared a house together in Exmouth, my first job.”
Titchmarsh also reminded Barlow she also used to live with Gail Platt legend Helen Worth, whom Barlow reveals she still sees on occasion.
Love Your Weekend airs Sundays from 10am on ITV1 and ITVX.
Coronation Street airs Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.