Against all odds - brave Julie set to resume her singing and acting career at the age of 58!

Now back in business and 'fit as a fiddle' following numerous serious health scares, talented singer and actress Julie Brown can't wait to resume what was once a hugely successful career, at the age of 58!

Julie, from Royton, had been a busy working actress in the 1990s and earlier 2000s.

That was until throat cancer struck.

She told the Chronicle: "Initially, at the age of 20, I began singing on the northern club circuit, with regular spots at Bernard Manning's famous Embassy Club in Manchester, and various clubs all over the north west.

"Then, when I was 26 years old, I landed a leading role in a film called 'Raining Stones', which went on to win third prize at the Cannes film festival no less (Julie also featured in 'Looking for Eric', 'The Chase' and 'Band of Gold', and others).

"However, when I was 32 I was diagnosed with throat cancer.

"I had my first operation on my 33rd birthday, but unfortunately it came back every year another three times - it was a nightmare.

"(Famous film director and screenwriter) Ken Loach used to write to me in hospital, bless him, and Bernard Manning hosted a charity event for me while I was in Christies. 

"I also ended up in hospital due to an overdose of calcium and then when I ended up catching MRSA, I really thought that was it.

"I had filmed an episode of Coronation Street, and I ended up watching it from my hospital bed.

"The story line was that I was having an affair with Terry Duckworth.

"I was ill for four years in total, and in that time I lost my house, my marriage, everything.

"I was read my last rites when I contacted MRSA."

Now, though, after plenty of dark times, Julie is back strong and raring to go once again.

She added: "I now have a new agent - Northern Gold - and they seem really proactive.

"In the first couple of months of 2023, I auditioned for Coronation Street and Emmerdale, and I got both.

"They were only small parts, but I was delighted with that.

"I played Mrs Bottomley in Emmerdale and a nurse in Corrie.

"I'm now launching a Blondie tribute act and I'm hoping to get loads of work.

"I've given up my day job and recently gone self employed, so I've got a lot riding on becoming successful again."

Check out more about Julie's exciting new career aspirations on her dedicated 'Roxanne' page on Facebook here

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