Coronation Street viewers have been left feeling emotional following a significant update about cobbles icon Emily Bishop from the soap.
Emily (Eileen Derbyshire) first appeared all the way back in 1961. As a cherished Weatherfield resident, Emily won over audiences and became a fixture of the programme.
Moreover, Eileen remained until 2016 - establishing her as one of the longest-serving cast members of a British soap. Only Bill Roache has appeared on the programme for longer, portraying Ken Barlow since the opening episode in 1960.
Emily's departure was written as a journey to Peru to visit a relative. It was subsequently revealed that Emily is residing in Edinburgh and in 2019, viewers were delighted when she featured in an episode of the ITV soap.
Emily made an appearance as her dear friend Ken Barlow marked his 80th birthday at the Rovers Return with friends and family gathered around him. She wasn't physically present for the celebration but had filmed a video message for Ken, reports the Daily Star.
Following that, Emily hasn't made an appearance since, although in Wednesday's episode (February 18) the soap delivered a significant update about the treasured character.
During the instalment, Rita Tanner (Barbara Knox) disclosed to Brian Packham (Peter Gunn) details of her recent conversation with Emily, confirming the former resident remains alive and well.
"She's sent me another one!" exclaimed Rita, before clarifying to Brian: "I've told you, she keeps sending me spiritual pictures every day on a text."
Fans were quick to respond to the mention of Emily in the soap. On a Coronation Street Facebook fan page, one individual announced: "Emily mention tonight!". Another person commented: "Ah I loved that [sobbing face emoji]."
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A third added: "So happy they still reference Emily, very much doubt she'll come back but always good to hear about her."
Last year, Eileen's son Oliver, who is a sports journalist, provided an update on his mum's health, revealing she is "well looked after and happy". He stated on X at the time: "She's 93 now so she has a few issues but she's well looked after and is happy."
Oliver also spoke to The Times, describing his mother as "private, 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."
Coronation Street airs Monday to Friday at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX
