Goodyear: I'm stronger than ever

Coronation Street star Julie Goodyear has revealed that her experience on Celebrity Big Brother has given her a new lease of life.

The 70-year-old actress, who is best known for playing feisty Rovers Return landlady Bet Lynch on the ITV soap, said her stint in the CBB house was unlike her former co-star Denise Welch, who said the show almost "broke" her.

"I feel sorry for Denise, but it's had the opposite effect on me. Not only do I feel not broken, I feel stronger than ever - so brace yourself," she joked.

Although Julie, who was voted out of the Channel 5 show alongside Prince Lorenzo, left the famous cobbles in 2003, she said that the soap's continued success doesn't surprise her.

"Tony Warren, creator and dear friend of mine, has always said that Coronation Street will reflect real life as it is now. I think they have got it spot on," she explained.

The actress, who has been referred to as Queen of the Rovers, approves of the new addition to the soap's cast - Sue Johnston, who plays Gloria Price.

"I think it's a fantastic idea. I love, respect and admire her. I think she will be a fantastic bar maid," she added.