Emily Bishop (Eileen Derbyshire)

[Perdita]

Coronation Street will air Emily Bishop's exit scenes on New Year's Day as she bows out of Weatherfield to head overseas.

It was announced last month that Eileen Derbyshire would be taking a break from the show after she asked producers for six months away from the cobbles.

Although details about Emily's temporary exit weren't clear at the time, it has now been revealed that she will head to Peru to join her nephew Spider.

The story will kick off when Billy Mayhew senses Emily's yearning to volunteer overseas and encourages her to go for it.

However, after Emily books her flight and announces her big decision at Ken's party, not everyone is thrilled by the news.

While Audrey and Rita are pleased that she is following her dream, Norris is disapproving and fails to support her.

As Emily's loved ones gather to see her off on her trip, Norris arrives and hands her a bag full of pencils, explaining that they are to help with her voluntary work. Does this mean that the pair will clear the air before she leaves?

Derbyshire is the show's longest-running female character, having played Emily since 1961.

Coronation Street will air her exit scenes on New Year's Day on ITV.

[lizann]

eileen should relax and take it easy enjoy her twilight years

[maidmarian]

eileen should relax and take it easy enjoy her twilight years

I think.the actress has a very sensible attitude
to life.
Shes kept her private life seperate from acting/
Corrie throughout her career.
Doesnt get involved in controversy and her lack
of comments on some of her colleagues more
colourful real life exploits is more telling than
paragraphs of comments!

[swmc66]

This storyline is out of character though. At her age it is an unlikely move.

[maidmarian]

This storyline is out of character though. At her age it is an unlikely move.

in some ways I agree with your comment swmc
but "Emily" although a bit saintly ( for me)
on occasions is a person who tries to do
good in a practical way. I have known
a couple of people personally who have waited
til quite a way past retirement age to do something
similar(.but were still.younger than Emily )

I looked on internet and found International
Volunteering HQ - they say their oldest
volunteer is 82 and one ( of many) locations
is Peru!! Perhaps SWs saw the same site!

It is a bit of a push perhaps for the character
in terms of age but she has always been
a bit of an activist ( protesting up trees with
Spider)! People age very differently in
health & attitude. So I do overall find it
at least possible if not probable?Unlike
some Soap storyline.

Now if the character involved was Rita .........!!

[sarah c]

This storyline is out of character though. At her age it is an unlikely move.

I disagree - remember Emily's tree top protest a few years ago?

when the opportunity has presented itself Emily has stood up for a cause in ways people of her age normally wouldn't

plus she was always close to Spider, so if she was to go volunteering with anyone it would be him

[lizann]

I disagree - remember Emily's tree top protest a few years ago?

when the opportunity has presented itself Emily has stood up for a cause in ways people of her age normally wouldn't

plus she was always close to Spider, so if she was to go volunteering with anyone it would be him

standing up for a cause yes she does like doing the right good thing but going to another country as a volunteer alone now at her age seems wrong to me and out of place for the character

is spider off with toyah?

[swmc66]

Maybe Billy and Sean could take on Callums baby. Tha would be very topical

[maidmarian]

Maybe Billy and Sean could take on Callums baby. Tha would be very topical

It would be topical but could cause other
problems?
The C of E is split about gay marriages and
clergy having gay relationships!
In the last few days a bishop of one
diocese has banned a clergyman from
holding services - because he married
his long term male partner last year.

I have missed bits of the story so not
sure if Billy has told his bishop about
his relationship with Sean! I do
remember Billy pointing out the need for
discretion.!!

If they did adopt/foster I thought checks
were made with employers-so what
started about a baby could lead to ramifications
for Billy -if he is prepared to publicly acknowledge
his relationship with Sean.
Its the sort of story makes news in local
papers!

[sarah c]

is spider off with toyah?

Spider is out in Peru, and Emily goes to be with him?