Maureen Lipman, the revered actress behind Coronation Street’s sharp-tongued Evelyn Plummer, has long been a fan favorite for her biting wit, impeccable timing, and commanding on-screen presence. However, in a recent emotional and deeply personal revelation, the veteran star lifted the curtain on the difficulties she has faced while filming on the legendary cobbles. What seemed effortless and often hilarious to viewers watching from home, Lipman admitted, has sometimes been overshadowed by mental, emotional, and physical struggles that made her time on set far more challenging than fans could ever imagine.
Speaking in a recent interview, Lipman opened up about the quiet pressure that builds behind the scenes—particularly for older actors. While Evelyn’s dry humor and brutal honesty have made her one of Weatherfield’s most unforgettable residents, Maureen revealed that embodying the character takes an immense toll. “It’s not just turning up and saying the lines,” she explained. “It’s about finding energy when you’re exhausted, staying sharp when you feel anything but, and putting on a brave face no matter what’s happening in your own life.” The admission caught many by surprise. Lipman has always carried herself with grace and control, both on and off screen, but even she is not immune to the intense demands of life on a long-running soap.
One of her most difficult challenges, she said, was maintaining stamina during long shooting days. “We start early, often before dawn, and you’re on your feet for hours. And if it’s an outdoor scene, you could be dealing with rain, cold, or noise, but you still have to deliver lines with perfect timing and clarity.” For Lipman, whose decades-long career spans film, theatre, and TV, Coronation Street presents its own unique demands. The show’s fast-paced filming schedule, often with multiple episodes being shot simultaneously, leaves little time to reflect or reset. “You have to be ready all the time. There’s no room to drift or fade. It’s a machine that never stops.”
Another burden she touched upon was the emotional toll of portraying a character with such a hard edge. “Evelyn’s brutal honesty can be fun, but she’s often lonely, bitter, and deeply closed off. To reach into that place repeatedly, week after week, takes something from you.” Lipman described how sometimes, after shooting emotional scenes, she’d return home drained and mentally foggy. “People don’t always understand what it takes to be emotionally raw on cue. Even if it’s not your own grief or anger, your body doesn’t know the difference.”
One of the most surprising and touching parts of her revelation was her discussion around grief and its impact on her work. Having lost her long-term partner, Guido, just a few years ago, Lipman acknowledged that she often channels her own experiences of loss into Evelyn’s pain. “When you’ve truly loved and lost, it never really leaves you. That sorrow becomes part of your emotional toolkit, but it can also sneak up on you when you least expect it.” There have been moments on set, she admitted, where a simple line about loneliness or aging triggered a well of emotion. “I’ve had to step aside and breathe through it more than once.”
Beyond the personal challenges, Lipman also discussed how the industry sometimes underestimates older performers. “There’s this idea that we’ve done it all, so we don’t need help or space. But we do. Sometimes we need patience. Sometimes we need someone to just listen.” While she praised Coronation Street’s production team for their professionalism and support, she also called for more open conversations about mental health and well-being on set. “We look after the wardrobe and the lighting and the scripts. We need to look after the actors too.”
Despite all this, Lipman remains deeply committed to the show and grateful for the role. “Evelyn is a gift,” she said. “She’s unlike any other character I’ve played. She’s allowed me to show a range—from comedy to quiet heartbreak—that few scripts allow for women of my age.” She smiled when recalling how many fans stop her on the street just to say, “You make me laugh,” or, “You remind me of my nan.” That connection, she said, makes all the hard days worth it.
Her honesty about the struggles on set has resonated widely—not just with viewers, but with fellow actors as well. Many have praised her bravery for speaking out, especially in an industry that often glamorizes toughness and silence. For younger performers on the show, Lipman’s words have become a quiet reminder that even the most seasoned stars face their own battles—and that it’s okay to admit when something’s difficult.
In the wake of her interview, social media lit up with messages of admiration and support. Longtime fans praised her transparency, noting that her openness only deepens their respect for both the actress and the character she plays. “She’s not just Evelyn anymore,” one user wrote. “She’s a warrior behind the scenes too.”
Looking ahead, Lipman says she’s learning how to strike a better balance. “I take breaks when I need to. I speak up more when I feel overwhelmed. And I remind myself that it’s okay not to be perfect all the time.” She also hinted at more emotional developments for Evelyn in future episodes—promising that fans will see new sides of the character that may surprise them.
As the cobbles of Weatherfield continue to tell the stories of everyday life—with all its joy, heartbreak, and unpredictability—Maureen Lipman remains a cornerstone of the show. And now, with her set struggles out in the open, fans will no doubt watch her performances with even greater appreciation. Every sharp line, every raised eyebrow, every quiet sigh—now carries a deeper meaning, shaped by the real-life resilience of a woman who continues to give her all, even on the hardest days.
Her story reminds us that even legends get tired, even icons need support. But they keep showing up, keep delivering, and keep inspiring—and that’s exactly what makes Maureen Lipman not just a Corrie legend, but a true force of nature.
