TV fans have recently received a rare update on legend Eileen Derbyshire, 93, who stepped away from the show a decade ago for an "extended break". The actress, known for her iconic role as Emily Bishop, made a brief reappearance in 2019 through a video call but has largely stayed out of the public eye since 2016. Her son, Oliver Holt, a sports journalist, shared insights into her quiet life now that she's in her 90s, assuring fans that Eileen is "well looked after and happy".

Speaking to The Times, Holt described 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." Eileen's few public appearances were a hallmark of her career even during her active years on Coronation Street, where she seldom participated in interviews. Recently, Holt took to X, formerly known as Twitter to offer fans a glimpse into his mother's Corrie archive, sparking nostalgia among the show's longtime viewers.

Sharing a throwback photo of the cast from 1969 at his mother's house, he noted, "Back at my mum's place. Found this packed away. Halcyon days of Coronation Street." He also mentioned a framed collage still in its wrapping, commemorating the 30th anniversary of the show's start, which intrigued many fans about Eileen's current well-being.

Responding to a fan's inquiry on X about his mother, Holt replied, "She's doing ok, Matthew. It's kind of you to ask. She's 93 now so she has a few issues but she's well looked after and is happy."

Eileen Derbyshire first graced the Coronation Street set in 1961, becoming beloved for her portrayal of Emily Bishop and her series of doomed romances. Her aversion to the limelight was so intense that she never attended award shows or red carpet events, even with her castmates.

Her contributions to drama were officially recognised in 2010 when she was awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). Eileen's final formal appearance on Coronation Street was during a brief video call for Ken Barlow's 80th birthday celebrations.

Her tenure on the soap featured a series of tumultuous relationships, including her dramatic decision to leave her colleague Leonard Swindley (Arthur Lowe) at the altar, admitting she had agreed to marry him out of fear of remaining unmarried.

Her subsequent partner, Ernie Bishop (Stephen Hancock), met a tragic end when he was violently killed, and Emily's second husband, pet shop owner Arnold Swain (George Waring), turned out to be already married to another woman.

Aside from her romantic entanglements, Emily was actively involved in local charity work in Weatherfield and had many humorous moments with her tenants, the always surly Percy Sugden (Bill Waddington) and the local gossiper, Norris Cole (Malcolm Hebden).

Eileen, who remains the longest-serving female actress in a soap opera, departed from Coronation Street in 2015.