Thelma Barlow, 95, comes out of retirement to star in comedy movie

One of the best-known faces from Coronation Street has come out of retirement in her 90s to make a short film.

Thelma Barlow, who played iconic character Mavis for 26 years, stars in Sleepless In Settle, about a woman trying to find a wife for her son.

Ms Barlow – who is 95 and lives in Faversham, Kent – said of the filming: ‘It was three action-packed days. It took me right back to my early days of rep theatre.’

Actress Judy Flynn, who wrote and directed the film, worked with Ms Barlow on the Victoria Wood sitcom Dinnerladies in the 1990s.

She said: ‘We met again at her 90th birthday party and I asked if I could write something specifically for her and she agreed.

Thelma Barlow has come out of retirement to star in a comedy film

Barlow (right) is best known for playing Mavis in Coronation Street for 26 years

‘Filming with Thelma was a total joy. She had so much energy and was full of ideas.’

Ms Flynn is hoping to show the 20-minute comedy – which was filmed in Rye, East Sussex – at festivals around the UK.