It was the veteran star’s fourth husband who first shared news of her illness more than a year ago. Since then, he has spoken about the emotional toll of watching her slowly fade. Seeing the woman he loves go through this has been nothing short of “painful.”
The soap icon’s husband, Scott Brand, stepped away from his career to care for her around the clock as she faces the challenges of dementia. Not long ago, he posted a photo of the beloved English actress — one that quickly stirred a wave of mixed responses across social media.
In June 2023, Brand revealed that his wife had been diagnosed with dementia after they had sought answers for her increasing memory lapses. Doctors confirmed what the couple had feared — there would be no turning back.
“My darling wife and I have had to come to terms with this heartbreaking diagnosis,” Brand shared at the time. He explained that she had been dealing with forgetfulness for a while.
“We now know that there is no hope of a reversal in the situation and that her condition will get progressively, and perhaps speedily, worse,” Brand added.
Brand divulged that his wife still enjoyed going out and seeing familiar faces. However, because she was often recognized by the public, moments of confusion could occur — especially when she was feeling tired. He hoped people would be understanding in such situations.
As time passed, the effects of the illness became more noticeable. In a March 2024 interview, Brand offered another glimpse into their daily reality. He shared that the woman he once knew, full of energy and charm, was gradually slipping away.
“All of this is now slowly fading away and it’s extremely painful for me to watch this deterioration,” he said. His famous wife now has difficulty recognizing people and has started calling everyone by the name, “Scott.”
The decline also affected how she presented herself. Brand recalled that she had always been meticulous about her appearance and never left home without makeup. Her lipsticks and beauty products now sat untouched, and she no longer showed interest in clothing, especially the leopard print she once favored.
Mobility has become another challenge, and she now uses a wheelchair. Brand reflected on the quiet loss of their shared routines. He remembered how much she enjoyed planning holidays, romantic dinners, and walking hand in hand.
Those moments have come to an end. He no longer travels either, explaining that he would never leave her side. After becoming her full-time carer, Brand started to notice the small things he used to enjoy without thinking — like having a drink or watching football with friends.
Now, everything had to be planned ahead, and he often felt too tired to go out. He also shared that he needed to be ready to drive at any time in case something happened, so drinking alcohol was no longer possible.
These daily changes began to take a toll not just on his routine but also on his well-being. “For me, the hardest part was accepting and coming to terms with the diagnosis,” Brand admitted.
At first, he avoided outside help, believing he could manage on his own, especially since they had always valued their privacy. However, that approach didn’t last. It soon became clear that he could not handle everything by himself. His health began to suffer, and as the only caregiver, he felt it was “killing” him.
He also had to take on responsibilities that had never been his before. She had always handled their finances with care and precision, but now she no longer recognized the value of money.
Suddenly, he found himself managing everything at home — a role he was not used to. Brand urged others in similar situations to accept help early, saying that trying to manage alone was not a long-term solution.
Once at the reception, Rudman walked off and never returned, leaving Goodyear to face the guests alone. The reason behind his sudden change remained unclear, but she admitted the marriage ended up costing her significantly — especially financially.
After the collapse of her second marriage, Goodyear’s third brought a very different experience. In 1985, she wed Richard Skrob, a wealthy American widower who had been battling leukemia. Their bond grew quickly, and when he proposed, she accepted.
However, their marriage took an odd turn right from the start. Skrob chose to spend their wedding night sailing rather than by her side. He also did not accompany her back to Britain as expected. By 1987, the relationship had broken down.
While her personal life was marked by setbacks, Goodyear’s early career also came with its own struggles. The TV star’s first run on “Coronation Street” in 1966 ended after just six weeks, leaving her crushed.
She returned to typing and odd TV roles, even arriving at Granada once in a concrete mixer — earning a sharp remark from Pat Phoenix. The two later became friends, and Goodyear took her advice to train at Oldham Rep. Four years later, she returned to the show with a six-month contract, determined to make Bet Lynch unforgettable.
From early heartbreaks to public acclaim and personal trials, Goodyear’s journey has been anything but ordinary. Through it all, she has remained a beloved figure — one whose impact endures, both on-screen and off.
