Overview
- Wednesday’s episode (February 18) features Rita Tanner telling Brian Packham that Emily Bishop is still alive and sends her daily “spiritual” pictures by text.
- Emily Bishop, played by Eileen Derbyshire, debuted in 1961 and left the soap in 2016, making Derbyshire one of the longest‑serving UK soap actors.
- After her exit was written as a trip to Peru, the character was later said to be living in Edinburgh and briefly appeared via a recorded video in 2019 for Ken Barlow’s 80th birthday.
- Viewers reacted emotionally on social media to the new reference, welcoming the continued acknowledgment of the veteran character.
- Eileen Derbyshire’s son said last year that his 93‑year‑old mother is well looked after and happy, reflecting her ongoing privacy away from the spotlight.