Dame Maureen Lipman’s New Chapter: Engagement, Stage Return, and Continued Success at 78

A Surprising Engagement and Career Milestones

Coronation Street star Dame Maureen Lipman has recently announced her engagement to partner David Turner. The 78-year-old actress, known for her role as the no-nonsense Evelyn Plummer on the ITV soap, took the initiative to propose while traveling on a train.

This new chapter comes after meeting Turner in Spring 2023 at a friend’s lunch party, where they connected through shared interests and poetry. The engagement marks a poignant moment following the loss of her previous partner Guido to Covid-19 in 2021 and her first husband Jack Rosenthal in 2004.

Balancing Career and Personal Life

While celebrating this personal milestone, Lipman continues to balance her professional commitments. She is set to take a temporary break from Coronation Street later this year to return to the stage, playing Mrs Potty in the pantomime Beauty and the Beast at Richmond Theatre. The production will run from December 7 to January 5, 2025. Coronation Street has confirmed this will be a temporary departure, with Lipman expected to return to the cobbles in 2025.

Despite taking what she calls a “gap year” to focus on wedding planning and travel, Lipman maintains her career momentum, continuing her role as Evelyn Plummer on a part-time basis. She has firmly stated, “I have no plans to retire,” finding ongoing fulfillment and vitality through her work.

A Legacy of Achievement

With a career spanning over six decades, Maureen Lipman has established herself as a versatile British actress, comedian, and writer. Her impressive portfolio includes performances with the Royal Shakespeare Company, the National Theatre, and the West End. Her contributions to the arts were recognized with a Damehood in 2020.