A Quiet Goodbye? The Battersby Matriarch Bows Out With Poignant WordsâŠ
Coronation Street fans are reeling after beloved soap icon Vicky Entwistle, best known for her fiery role as Janice Battersby, appears to have dropped a major hint about her potential retirement from acting â and possibly from the public eye altogether. In a move that has sent shockwaves through the soap community, the 56-year-old actress suggested that her latest stage role in Living the Life of Riley could be her swan song. Could this be the end of an era?
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Vicky shared a heartfelt message alongside a poster for the show:
âOften you take a job that hurts, for the money⊠Rarely do you find a job that enriches you. This piece is so beautiful. If itâs the last thing I do, Iâll be happy.â
That single line â âif itâs the last thing I doâ â has been seized upon by fans and media alike as a cryptic farewell, sparking fears that Vicky may be stepping away from the limelight for good. After decades of entertaining millions, is the legendary Janice Battersby actress preparing to take her final bow?
From the Cobbles to the Stage: Vickyâs Artistic Transformation
Since leaving Coronation Street in 2011 after a 15-year reign as one of Weatherfieldâs most unforgettable residents, Vicky has dedicated herself to a rich and varied career in theatre. Her current performance in the touring production Living the Life of Riley has earned glowing reviews, following its earlier success at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Sharing the stage with performers Leah Bell, Paul Dunn, and Alison Stanley, Vicky shines in a role that has clearly touched her deeply â both artistically and emotionally. Itâs a stark contrast from the brash, no-nonsense Janice Battersby we all remember, revealing a more reflective and fulfilled side of the actress.
âIâm Just Comfyâ: A Star Reflects on Fame, Fortune, and the Future
In a rare moment of candid honesty, Vicky also gave fans a glimpse into her personal mindset and financial standing, stating:
âIâm not a billionaire or a trillionaire, Iâm just comfy. That said, when my pensions kick in Iâm out of here! Anyone with half a brain would do the same. This country is drowning in its own friendliness!â
This raw declaration, laced with humor and frustration, seems to signal that Vicky is not only ready to exit the stage but perhaps even escape the UK altogether. One fan jokingly suggested she take political leader Keir Starmer with her, to which Vicky quipped:
âHeâs the one Iâm running away from đâ
The Legacy of Janice Battersby: From Loudmouth to Legend
Debuting in 1996, Janice Battersby quickly became one of Coronation Streetâs most unforgettable characters â loud, opinionated, and often embroiled in fiery storylines. Whether clashing with neighbours or fiercely defending her family, Janice made her mark on the cobbles. Vicky brought the character to life with such intensity that fans still talk about her nearly 15 years after her departure.
Janice was the mother of Toyah Battersby (Georgia Taylor) and stepmother to Leanne Battersby (Jane Danson), forming one of the most iconic, if dysfunctional, households in soap history. And with Les Battersby (Bruce Jones) by her side, chaos and comedy were never far behind.
Beyond the Cobbles: A Life in the Arts
Post-Corrie, Vicky refused to be typecast. She starred in East Is East, dazzled in Snow White and the Seven Dwarves in Blackpool, and earned critical acclaim as Madame Thenardier in the West Endâs Les MisĂ©rables. Her versatility proved that she was far more than just a soap star.
She also made appearances in Father Brown and famously took part in the 12th series of Celebrity Big Brother in 2013, reminding audiences that she still had plenty of fire in her â and wasnât afraid of a little reality TV madness.
A Final Curtain Call⊠or Just a Pause?
So whatâs next for Vicky Entwistle? Thatâs the million-pound question. While she hasnât explicitly announced her retirement, the tone of her recent messages and interviews suggests that she may be preparing for a more peaceful, private chapter in her life. Whether that means leaving acting, leaving the country, or simply stepping back for now â only time will tell.
But fans arenât ready to say goodbye just yet. Theories are already circulating: could Vicky return to Coronation Street for a final cameo as Janice, giving the Battersby legacy a proper conclusion? Or will she continue to appear in select theatrical roles that speak to her soul?
Either way, Vicky Entwistleâs impact on British television and theatre is undeniable. From her unforgettable Corrie years to her recent triumphs on stage, she has proven herself to be a true national treasure â fiery, funny, and fiercely talented.
đ Will Janice Return One Last Time? Or Has Vicky Said Her Final Goodbye?
As the curtain falls on Living the Life of Riley, fans are left with more questions than answers. Is this truly the last weâll see of Vicky Entwistle on stage or screen? Or is this simply a moment of reflection before a thrilling new chapter begins?
One thingâs for certain: if this is her final act, Vicky Entwistle is going out on a high. And in her own words â âIf itâs the last thing I do, Iâll be happy.â
Stay tuned for more breaking soap news, emotional tributes, and unexpected twists â because when it comes to Coronation Street legends, the story is never really over.