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Julie Goodyear, known for playing Bet Lynch in Coronation Street, has received a "heartbreaking diagnosis" of dementia, her husband has said.

The actress had sought medical advice after "suffering forgetfulness" but there was now "no hope of a reversal in the situation", Scott Brand said.

Goodyear, 81, played the leopard-skin-loving barmaid from 1966 to 2003.

"My darling wife and I have had to come to terms with this heartbreaking diagnosis," Mr Brand said.

"Unfortunately, Julie has been suffering forgetfulness for some time and we have been seeking medical advice and assistance - but we now know that there is no hope of a reversal in the situation and that her condition will get progressively, and perhaps speedily, worse.

"We have taken the decision to publicly announce the diagnosis as Julie still loves visiting friends and eating out. Inevitably, she is recognised and fans love to meet her - and she them - but she can get confused, particularly if she is tired. I hope people will understand."

Thanks to Goodyear, Bet Lynch became one of the ITV soap opera's longest-serving and best-loved characters.

The actress has also appeared on reality shows such as Celebrity Big Brother and Celebrity Fit Club.

Hilary Evans, chief executive of Alzheimer's Research UK, said: "Our hearts go out to Julie Goodyear and her family, following the announcement that she is living with dementia.

"So many of us have such fond memories of watching Julie on screen, playing the iconic role of Bet Lynch.

"It is incredibly brave of Julie's husband to share this news and help raise much-needed awareness of dementia, a condition affecting almost one million people in the UK today.

"With no treatments to slow or stop the diseases that cause dementia, a diagnosis is truly heartbreaking."