Dame Maureen Lipman, a beloved figure in British entertainment and an iconic presence on Coronation Street, is set to embark on a new personal chapter, marrying her partner, David Turner, this weekend at the age of 80. The news, which has delighted fans and colleagues alike, was revealed by her close friend, Gyles Brandreth, on his podcast, Rosebud. Brandreth shared his excitement, stating, “Dame Maureen Lipman, this Sunday I will be going to her wedding. She’s getting married. To get married in your 80th year is fantastic.”

The proposal itself was a characteristically spontaneous and charming affair, unfolding on a train journey last September. Maureen recounted the moment with her trademark wit, explaining that she seized the opportunity after realizing it was Tu B’Av, a minor Jewish festival on which tradition permits women to propose. With a playful spirit, she recalled, “Unable to resist the gag, I slid under the table separating us on to one knee and asked him for his hand. To my surprise and slight panic, he gave it.” The couple, with a combined age of 156, later shared their joyous news with their children. Poignantly, they chose September 8th, a date that would have marked the birthday of Maureen’s late first husband, Jack Rosenthal. David Turner was first publicly introduced as Maureen’s partner in late 2023, when he accompanied her to the National Television Awards.

Maureen Lipman’s personal life has been marked by both profound love and the inevitable pain of loss. Her first husband, Jack Rosenthal, was a celebrated screenwriter, notably contributing to an impressive 250 episodes of Coronation Street. His passing in 2004 left a significant void, but Maureen later found companionship with businessman Guido Castro, with whom she shared a 13-year relationship. Sadly, Guido also passed away in 2021 following complications from coronavirus, which had left him weakened. Now, two decades after Jack’s death and three years after Guido’s, Maureen is embracing a new beginning with David, a testament to her resilience and capacity for enduring love.

Beyond her personal milestones, Maureen Lipman’s professional career is nothing short of illustrious. She has graced stages and screens with her formidable talent, earning widespread acclaim for roles ranging from her iconic portrayal of Evelyn Plummer in Coronation Street to her memorable performance in the film Educating Rita and the ITV comedy Agony. Her extensive contributions to charity, entertainment, and the arts have been recognized with a Damehood, solidifying her status as a national treasure.

In the fictional world of Weatherfield, Maureen’s character, Evelyn Plummer, is equally complex and compelling. Since her introduction in 2018, Evelyn quickly became a fan favourite, known for her sharp wit, cynical outlook, and no-nonsense approach to life. Initially brought in as Tyrone Dobbs’ long-lost grandmother, Evelyn’s arrival brought both stability and significant drama to the street. Her gruff exterior often belies a deep-seated care for her family, particularly her grandson Tyrone (played by Alan Halsall) and his daughters, Hope (Isabella Flanagan) and Ruby (Billie Naylor). She acts as a blunt but often accurate moral compass, her observational humour frequently cutting through the cobbles’ many crises.

Evelyn’s initial relationship with Tyrone was fraught with the weight of her long-held secret: that his biological mother, Cassie Plummer (Claire Sweeney), was actually Evelyn’s own daughter, whom she had abandoned years ago due to her severe drug addiction. This revelation shattered Tyrone’s perception of his grandmother, leading to a period of intense betrayal and hurt. However, Evelyn’s unwavering presence and her deep, if sometimes unspoken, love for him eventually allowed their bond to heal and strengthen.

The recent arrival of Cassie Plummer on the street further tested Evelyn’s resolve and family loyalties. Evelyn had kept Cassie’s existence a secret for decades, believing it was the only way to protect Tyrone from his mother’s chaotic life and addiction. Witnessing Cassie’s struggles to get clean and integrate into the family, Evelyn has been torn between her fierce maternal instincts to shield her daughter and the practical realities of Cassie’s ongoing battle with substance abuse. This storyline has highlighted Evelyn’s vulnerability and the immense emotional toll of her past decisions, revealing layers of complexity beneath her tough exterior. Despite the challenges, Evelyn’s protective instincts extend to Hope and Ruby, ensuring they have a stable and loving figure in their lives amidst the turbulence surrounding their extended family.

Even Evelyn’s understated relationship with Roy Cropper (David Neilson) became a significant aspect of her character. Their quiet, intellectual, and often humorous companionship offered a glimpse into a softer side of Evelyn, demonstrating her capacity for genuine connection and affection with a select few who could see beyond her formidable façade.

Currently, Evelyn Plummer is on a temporary sabbatical from Coronation Street, embarking on an unexpected new chapter: studying law at university and residing in student halls. This development, while surprising for a character of her age and disposition, underscores Evelyn’s perpetual desire for personal growth and her sharp intellect. Her absence has left a noticeable void in the Dobbs-Plummer household, particularly for Tyrone, Cassie, Hope, and Ruby, who have come to rely on her grounding presence. However, a spokesperson has confirmed that this is a temporary departure, and Evelyn is expected to make periodic returns to Weatherfield. An insider suggested that her occasional visits would naturally fit with her character’s university storyline, ensuring her enduring connection to the cobbles and her beloved, albeit often exasperating, family.

As Dame Maureen Lipman prepares for her real-life wedding, the parallel journeys of both actress and character continue to captivate. Her marriage marks a beautiful new chapter, while Evelyn Plummer’s eventual return to Coronation Street is eagerly anticipated, promising more wit, wisdom, and compelling drama from one of television’s most iconic matriarchs.