Amanda Barrie, the beloved English actress best known for playing Alma Seddon on Coronation Street and Cleopatra in Carry On Cleo, is alive and well as of 2025. She celebrated her 90th birthday in September 2025 and continues to make public appearances, promoting her newly published memoir I’m Still Here: My 90 Years. Contrary to any rumors of serious illness, Barrie remains active and engaged with fans through interviews and social media.
Her life story spans more than seven decades of British entertainment, from running away from home at 13 to become a Soho showgirl to becoming a household name on one of the UK’s longest-running television programmes. In 2025, she added author to her résumé with a second autobiography that reveals details about her personal and professional life she had previously kept private.
For those searching for the most up-to-date information about this iconic figure, here is a comprehensive look at her status, career, personal life, and what she is doing now.
Is Amanda Barrie Still Alive? Age and Health in 2025
Key Insights
- Amanda Barrie is alive and thriving at age 90, contradicting any rumors of serious illness.
- Her 2025 memoir I’m Still Here: My 90 Years has renewed public interest in her life and career.
- She is best known for playing Alma Seddon on Coronation Street for 13 years and for her role in the Carry On film series.
- Her marriage to novelist Hilary Bonner is a significant aspect of her personal life, which the memoir covers in detail.
- She continues to be active in public life through interviews and social media, maintaining a direct connection with fans.
Quick Facts
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Full name at birth | Shirley Anne Broadbent |
| Date of birth | 14 September 1935 |
| Age (2025) | 90 years old |
| Still alive? | Yes |
| Spouse/Wife | Hilary Bonner (married June 2014) |
| Net worth (estimated) | Undisclosed; no publicly verified figure |
| Famous for | Alma Seddon (Coronation Street), Carry On Cleo, Bad Girls |
| Memoir | I’m Still Here: My 90 Years (2025) |
According to her Wikipedia entry, Barrie was born Shirley Anne Broadbent in Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancashire, on 14 September 1935 – not 1939 as earlier biographies incorrectly stated. She ran away from home at age 13 to become a showgirl in Soho and later overcame dyslexia and boarding school trauma. She kept her sexuality secret for most of her adult life, struggling as a gay woman in the 1950s and 1960s.
Health-wise, Barrie did experience a serious optic disease in 1997 that led to the loss of sight in her left eye (IMDb). However, she continued to perform despite this. There are no reports of any recent fatal illness; she is actively promoting her new book and attending events in 2025 (Yeovil Literary Festival).
What Is Amanda Barrie Doing Now? Her Latest Projects
Amanda Barrie’s memoir I’m Still Here: My 90 Years
Barrie’s second autobiography was published on 11 September 2025, just days before her 90th birthday. The book was released by Mirror Books and dictated to Hilary Bonner, her wife, who acted as ghostwriter. The memoir reveals what the publisher calls her “full untold story,” covering her childhood during the war, her time on Coronation Street, her role in Carry On films, her life in the Big Brother house, and her relationship with her wife (librofulltime). The first long section focuses on her life after leaving Coronation Street and coming out as gay at the turn of the millennium.
The memoir was ghostwritten by Amanda Barrie’s wife, Hilary Bonner, herself a published novelist. Barrie dictated the story to Bonner, making the writing process a shared creative project between the couple. (The Bookseller)
Recent media appearances and interviews (2024-2025)
Barrie promoted her memoir at the Yeovil Literary Festival in October 2025, where she discussed her full life story and her relationship with Hilary Bonner. Mirror Books announced the publication on social media in September 2025, calling her a “legend” (Instagram). As of 2026, she remains active in the public eye, celebrating her 90th birthday and continuing both her literary and acting legacy (Instagram).
What is Amanda Barrie saying about her life today?
In promotional appearances, Barrie has described her current life with Hilary Bonner as one she “had not dreamed could ever be possible.” She speaks openly about the joy of finally living authentically and sharing her story with readers.
Who Is Amanda Barrie? Career and Famous Roles
Amanda Barrie’s real name: Shirley Anne Broadbent
Born Shirley Anne Broadbent, she adopted the stage name Amanda Barrie early in her career. The name change allowed her to build a distinct public persona as an actress and entertainer.
Her iconic role as Alma in Coronation Street
Barrie is best known for playing Alma Halliwell (later Baldwin) in the ITV soap Coronation Street. She appeared on the show from 1981 to 2001, both on and off across a 20-year period. In the programme’s storyline, Alma was diagnosed with cervical cancer, which led to her character’s death. The role made Barrie a household name in Britain and cemented her place in television history. For readers interested in other British soap actresses, see Michelle Collins – British Actress.
Carry On Cleo and other Carry On films
Barrie appeared in two Carry On films, with her most famous role being Cleo in Carry On Cleo (1964). The film remains a cult classic and is often cited by fans as one of her most memorable performances.
Before television made her famous, Barrie trained as a dancer and performer. She ran away from home at 13 to become a Soho showgirl and later performed in West End musicals and revues. Her stage career included pantomime roles like the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella (2007) and appearances in Jack and the Beanstalk (2006).
From stage to screen: Bad Girls and beyond
From 2003 to 2006, Barrie played Bev Tull in the ITV prison drama Bad Girls. She has also appeared in other television series and has maintained a varied stage career. Her versatility across genres—comedy, drama, pantomime—has contributed to her reputation as a “national treasure” (Yeovil Literary Festival).
Who Is Amanda Barrie’s Wife? Personal Life and Relationships
Amanda Barrie’s marriage to Hilary Bonner
Barrie married Hilary Bonner in June 2014. Bonner is a novelist and also served as the ghostwriter for Barrie’s 2025 memoir. The couple’s relationship is a central theme in the book, where Barrie details how she came out as gay after the turn of the millennium and built a life with Bonner.
How long have they been together?
Public accounts confirm that Barrie met Bonner, fell in love, and built a life together. They have been married since 2014 and were still together as of 2025-2026. Barrie has described their partnership as a life she “had not dreamed could ever be possible.”
Amanda Barrie is sometimes confused with Amanda Staveley (a British businesswoman) or Amanda Crew (a Canadian actress). These are entirely different individuals. The similarity in first names leads to search confusion, but Barrie’s identity is distinct.
What Is Amanda Barrie’s Net Worth?
Estimated net worth and income sources
There is no publicly verified figure for Amanda Barrie’s net worth in available sources. As a veteran actress with a 90-year career spanning major films (Carry On), a long-running soap (Coronation Street), and other TV dramas (Bad Girls), she is considered a “national treasure,” which typically implies substantial career earnings. However, exact numbers are not disclosed.
Career earnings from Coronation Street and other roles
Her 20-year association with Coronation Street would have provided a steady income, as would her stage work and appearances in other television programmes. The exact figures remain private.
Book sales and public appearances
The publication of I’m Still Here: My 90 Years in 2025, along with associated promotional events, may have contributed additional income. However, no sales figures or advance amounts have been made public.
What Is Amanda Barrie’s Life Timeline?
- : Born Shirley Anne Broadbent in Ashton-under-Lyne, England.
- : Began performing in West End musicals and revues after running away from home at 13.
- : Starred as Cleopatra in Carry On Cleo.
- : Played Alma Seddon in Coronation Street (on and off for 20 years).
- : Lost sight in her left eye due to an optic disease, but continued performing.
- : Played Bev Tull in Bad Girls.
- : Married novelist Hilary Bonner.
- : Published memoir I’m Still Here: My 90 Years.
- : Promoted the book at the Yeovil Literary Festival.
- : Continues to make public appearances and remains active.
What Is Known and What Remains Unclear?
| Statement | Certainty |
|---|---|
| Amanda Barrie is still alive (2025-2026) | Confirmed – multiple recent interviews and social media posts. |
| Amanda Barrie had a serious illness in the past | Confirmed – lost sight in left eye in 1997. No recent fatal illness reported. |
| Amanda Barrie’s net worth | Uncertain – no public financial disclosure; estimates vary. |
| Amanda Barrie is married to Hilary Bonner | Confirmed – referenced in her memoir and interviews. |
| Amanda Barrie was in Carry On Cleo | Confirmed – her most famous film role. |
| Amanda Barrie is the same person as Amanda Staveley or Amanda Crew | False – different individuals; confusion due to similar first names. |
Why Does Amanda Barrie’s Story Matter?
Barrie’s career represents a bridge between the golden age of British film comedy and modern television. As a star of both the Carry On series and Coronation Street, she embodies the enduring appeal of British entertainment icons. Her 2025 memoir fits into a larger trend of celebrity autobiographies that focus on longevity and positivity.
She is also significant as an LGBTQ+ figure in the entertainment industry. After years of keeping her sexuality private, she came out publicly in her first memoir in 2004 and later married Hilary Bonner. Her openness in later life has inspired many fans and added depth to her public image. For those interested in other legendary British actresses, read Joan Collins – Biography.
Key Quotations and Source Documents
“I’m Still Here, My 90 Years”
Title of Amanda Barrie’s 2025 memoir
“This feisty and very funny British comedienne and musical revue vet with the trademark 60s brunette page-boy haircut”
IMDb biography of Amanda Barrie
“13 years playing the much loved character of Alma in Coronation Street”
Yeovil Literary Festival programme
The Yeovil Literary Festival also quoted Barrie describing her life with Hilary Bonner as one she “had not dreamed could ever be possible.”
Where Is Amanda Barrie Today?
As of 2025-2026, Amanda Barrie remains a vibrant presence in British public life. She has just published her second autobiography, is actively promoting it at literary events and on social media, and continues to be celebrated as a national treasure. While no new acting projects have been announced, she shows no signs of slowing down. Readers can expect further media appearances and continued engagement with her loyal fan base.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Amanda Barrie’s real name?
Amanda Barrie was born Shirley Anne Broadbent.
What is Amanda Barrie’s connection to Coronation Street?
She played Alma Seddon on Coronation Street for 13 years (1981-1994), one of her most famous roles.
Is Amanda Barrie the same as Amanda Staveley or Amanda Crew?
No. Amanda Staveley is a British businesswoman, and Amanda Crew is a Canadian actress. They are different people.
What was Amanda Barrie’s role in Bad Girls?
She played Bev Tull in the British TV series Bad Girls from 2003 to 2006.
What is Amanda Barrie’s date of birth?
She was born on 14 September 1935.
Where can I buy Amanda Barrie’s book?
Her memoir I’m Still Here: My 90 Years is available through major online retailers and bookstores.
Oliver Harrison is Senior Reporter at TheUKDaily.uk, covering breaking national news and general UK stories.