Coronation Street’s Maureen Lipman Opens Up About Appearance Struggles, Career Choices, and What’s Next for Evelyn Plummer

For years, Maureen Lipman has brought a sharp wit, no-nonsense edge, and impeccable comedic timing to the cobbles of Coronation Street as Evelyn Plummer. Since returning to Weatherfield in 2018 — 16 years after her brief appearance as Lilian Spencer — Lipman has cemented herself as one of the ITV soap’s most beloved fixtures. Yet behind the quick quips and biting one-liners, the 79-year-old actress has revealed that her time under the unflinching glare of the cameras has stirred a more vulnerable, deeply human side.

In a candid resurfaced interview, Lipman admitted she sometimes grows “a bit neurotic” about her appearance on screen. While she’s never seriously considered going under the knife, there’s one feature she wouldn’t mind tweaking. Watching herself in Coronation Street’s notoriously bright lighting, Lipman noticed the bags under her eyes more than ever — and confessed she’s thought about having them “tidied up.”

“No, I wouldn’t have plastic surgery,” she told the Daily Mail, “but I might have the bags under my eyes sorted. I sometimes watch myself under the harsh lighting of Coronation Street and I can get a bit neurotic about how I look.”

For fans who see Evelyn as nothing short of formidable — a force who can stare down any of Weatherfield’s schemers — Lipman’s honesty is striking. It’s a reminder that even the most seasoned actors, with decades of stage and screen work behind them, are not immune to the pressures of modern television’s close-up scrutiny.

The Weight of the Cobbles

Since her first episode back, Evelyn has been at the heart of some of Coronation Street’s most memorable storylines — from tense family disputes with grandson Tyrone Dobbs to her razor-sharp takedowns of anyone foolish enough to cross her. Yet the role comes with relentless visibility. Soap actors work in a constant cycle of scripts, filming, and live broadcasts to millions of viewers. For Lipman, that means every line, every glance, and yes, every perceived “flaw” is there for the nation to see.

Her frankness about self-image offers a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into the personal cost of long-term soap stardom. Unlike a film set where lighting is meticulously crafted for each scene, soaps demand rapid shooting schedules. The result? Less flattering angles and lighting that can magnify features actors would rather keep in the background.

This is compounded by the emotional weight of embodying Evelyn — a character whose guarded exterior hides vulnerability and loss. Lipman herself seems to share a sliver of that guardedness when speaking about appearance pressures, couching her comments with humor, but making clear they come from a genuine place.

Retirement Rumors and Career Reflections

With her 80th birthday approaching next year, Lipman has also addressed the question that looms for any long-running soap star: how long will she stay? Speaking on the 20 Questions podcast, she was characteristically forthright.

“I’ll carry on as much as I’m wanted,” she said. “I’ll carry on until my brain goes or my legs. You can only take what you’re offered. It’s not been a career where I’ve thought, shall I take the Bond film or shall I do The Cherry Orchard? I’m more likely to be asked to be in Carry On Columbus. That’s because I’m a bit light entertainment.”

Lipman makes no secret of the fact that certain high-profile roles haven’t come her way — but there’s no bitterness in her tone. Instead, there’s a quiet pride in her consistency. She has worked through pregnancies, through joy, and through grief, never shying away from the grind of the industry. For her, Coronation Street is not just a job, but another chapter in a career defined by resilience.

Her words resonate particularly strongly in an era when acting work can be fleeting, and where longevity on television is rare. That she remains a sought-after presence in one of Britain’s most-watched dramas is a testament to her enduring talent and the affection fans feel for her.

Beyond Weatherfield

While Weatherfield remains her home turf, Lipman continues to broaden her creative horizons. Recently, she wrapped filming for a guest role in the 13th series of the BBC drama Father Brown, which follows crime-solving priest Father Brown (played by Harry Potter’s Mark Williams) in the picturesque yet intrigue-filled village of Kembleford.

Her upcoming appearance has fans buzzing. Known for bringing depth to every character she plays, Lipman is expected to bring a mix of charm and sharp wit to the period mystery — a role that could echo Evelyn’s sly intelligence while showcasing a different facet of her acting range.

It’s a reminder that even after decades in the business, Lipman is far from slowing down. If anything, she seems eager to embrace diverse roles while still anchoring herself in the familiarity and challenge of Coronation Street.

The Ripple Effect on Fans and the Show

For devoted Coronation Street viewers, Lipman’s musings about appearance and career longevity spark larger conversations about age, beauty standards, and representation on screen. Evelyn Plummer is a rare kind of character in British soaps — an older woman portrayed as complex, vital, and integral to the narrative, rather than relegated to the sidelines.

If Lipman were ever to step away, the absence would be deeply felt. Evelyn’s biting commentary and moral compass, however imperfect, act as a grounding force amid Weatherfield’s constant swirl of drama. Her interactions with Tyrone, Fiz, and the wider Dobbs family form an emotional anchor for many ongoing plots.

The thought of losing that dynamic — especially after so many fans have connected with Evelyn’s unapologetic nature — adds another layer of intensity to Lipman’s reflections on the future. It’s the kind of uncertainty that keeps viewers tuning in, wondering how long they will get to enjoy Evelyn’s presence before the inevitable soap opera shifts take hold.

A Legacy in the Making

Whether discussing under-eye bags, pondering retirement, or stepping into a guest role on another beloved drama, Maureen Lipman speaks with a disarming honesty that is increasingly rare in the entertainment industry. She refuses to pretend that the pressures of television haven’t touched her, just as she refuses to let them define her.

Her journey is a masterclass in navigating the demands of long-term fame while staying true to oneself. She has faced the industry’s changing tides without losing her sense of humor or her determination to work. And in doing so, she has built not just a career, but a legacy — one that bridges light entertainment with moments of profound dramatic weight.

For now, fans can take comfort in the fact that Evelyn Plummer remains very much a part of Weatherfield’s lifeblood. And as Lipman herself might say, so long as her brain and legs are still in the game, she’s not going anywhere just yet.

One thing is certain: whether in the Rovers Return, on the cobbles, or in the quiet village of Kembleford, Maureen Lipman will continue to captivate — bags under her eyes or not.