fans were absolutely gobsmacked to learn that Bernie Winter actress, Jane Hazlegrove, had graced the beloved soap years prior to her 2019 debut.
Portraying Gemma (Dolly-Rose Campbell), Paul (Peter Ash), and Kit (Jacob Roberts)’s mother Bernie, she’s certainly made a splash with her vibrant presence on the cobbles.
Her character swiftly became a fan darling, engaging in a slew of high-stakes narratives including Paul’s harrowing MND (motor neurone disease) journey and brushes with incarceration. Bernie’s life has been anything but mundane in Weatherfield, exemplified by the heartbreaking departure of Paul, who passed away surrounded by family, leaving viewers teary in September.
Before becoming ‘s Bernie, Hazlegrove showcased her acting chops in iconic series such as Dinnerladies, The Bill, and Doctors, and notably embodied Kathleen “Dixie” Dixon on Casualty from 2006 to 2016.
In a startling twist, die-hard fans found evidence of Hazlegrove’s earlier role, long before she became the scene-stealing Bernie Winter.
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Jane has played Bernie for years (Image: ITV)
Avid followers on a dedicated Facebook group were astonished to see a snapshot of a young Jane in the soap’s 1985 backdrop, identified in the post: “Jane Hazlegrove in (1985) playing as Sue Clayton.”
Fans were quick to express their astonishment, with one commenting: “Aww my lord, she still looks the same.”, reports . Someone else added, amazed: “Didn’t realise she is Bernie just watching from 1985.”
Another follower remarked: “Hasn’t changed at all.” In agreement, someone else noted: “I think she is quite a versatile actress as I have seen her in many different roles over the years and good in all of them.”
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She appeared on the soap years ago (Image: Photo by ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Yet another admirer contributed: “She looks like Paul in the face, even down to the dimples.”
Beyond her on-screen achievements, Jane is blissfully in a relationship with her beloved soap star spouse Isobel Middleton. With an impressive acting portfolio, Isobel has graced other soaps including and .
The adorable duo exchanged vows in 2015 and have shared their lives for more than 28 years. The fair-haired star opened up about her bond with Isobel on Lorraine, enthusing: “She’s sensational, a really beautiful woman. I am very obsessed.”
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