Lisa George, who charmed audiences as the feisty Beth Tinker, opens up about her journey since stepping away from Coronation Street. The beloved actress, known for her humor and heart on the show, has faced serious health challenges that changed her life and ultimately led to her departure. But with the dust settling, Lisa is ready to share what it took to make such a life-altering decision and what’s next for her beyond the iconic cobbles.
A Heartbreaking Diagnosis and the Fight to Cope
Back in 2016, life threw Lisa George a curveball when a freak gardening accident left her with partial vision loss in her right eye. “It was terrifying,” she recalled. “One moment, I’m out in the garden, and the next, I’m dealing with the reality that my vision will never be the same.”
However, this was just the beginning. In 2022, while driving home from a celebratory night out for former co-star Katie McGlynn’s birthday, Lisa noticed something alarming. “My left eye went really weird,” she shared, which later turned out to be NAION — a condition causing sudden vision loss.
The shock of her diagnosis shook her to the core. “I felt my career flash before my eyes,” Lisa admitted during an interview on BBC Morning Live. “The thought that I might not be able to work in theater or on TV again was overwhelming.” This realization spurred her to make a life-altering decision.
A Bittersweet Farewell to the Cobbles
Saying goodbye to Coronation Street after years of playing Beth Tinker was no simple feat. “Corrie has been my home for so long,” Lisa said, her voice tinged with emotion. “It’s like time stands still when you’re there. You don’t even realize how the years fly by.”
But the day-to-day realities of her condition became impossible to ignore. “I needed bigger scripts, and I’d be tripping over things on set,” she confessed. The decision to leave, though difficult, was necessary.
Lisa’s determination to pursue her dreams, even with the challenges of vision impairment, showcased her unwavering spirit. “I had to face it — I couldn’t keep going the way I was,” she explained. “It was time to step into the unknown and take a chance on myself.”
A Fresh Start in Theatre
Now, Lisa is setting her sights on something close to her heart — theatre. This Christmas, she’ll be donning the sparkly gown of the Fairy Godmother in a panto production of Cinderella. “I’ve always had a passion for the stage,” she beamed. “Realising I could still do what I love, with some adjustments, was the push I needed.”
Despite moments of doubt, Lisa’s outlook remains positive. “There’s always a bit of worry, of course,” she admitted. “But I’m grabbing this opportunity with both hands. It’s about doing what I can while I can.” Her resilience and zest for life shine through as she embarks on this new chapter.
Memories, Tears, and Hope for the Future
Reflecting on her last moments as Beth, Lisa shared, “Filming that final scene was heart-wrenching. I knew it was my farewell to the character and the family I’d grown with.” She didn’t hold back the tears once the director called ‘cut.’ “It was a huge part of my life, and letting go was tough.”
Though fans will miss Beth’s quirky charm, they can take comfort in knowing that Lisa is forging ahead with courage and hope. Her journey reminds us all that life’s challenges can lead to new beginnings, even when they come in the most unexpected ways.
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