Coronation Street‘s Eileen Grimshaw has finally discovered Julie Carp’s heartbreaking secret.

Eileen’s half-sister arrived unannounced on the cobbles late last month, much to the surprise of Eileen and Todd Grimshaw, who were suspicious of her return.

Viewers will know that Julie has been diagnosed with a terminal cancer, previously revealing the truth to nephew Todd and George Shuttleworth after being confronted about her pills. But Julie made the pair swear not to tell Eileen about the revelation.

However, tonight’s episode finally saw Eileen learn of Julie’s tragic health news, ending in an emotional heart-to-heart for the sisters.

The episode began with Julie helping George and Todd get ready for a funeral, with the two talking animatedly about the arrangements.

The discussion got Julie thinking that she should start to think about her own funeral, and George invited her to pop by the undertakers later that day for a chat if she was ready to talk about her options.

George encouraged Julie to also talk to Eileen, who thought Julie was actively avoiding her as she continued to keep her health news a secret.

Later at the funeral parlour, Julie arrived for the chat, accompanied by a suitcase. She told George that she planned on leaving, as she was afraid her plan was falling apart.

At that moment, Eileen walked into the undertakers where Julie and George were chatting and asked the pair to explain themselves, having followed Julie on account of her being “shifty”.

George tried to cover for Julie, telling Eileen the two were planning a surprise for her but Eileen branded him a “terrible liar”.

It was then that an emotional Julie revealed the truth: “I’m a bit unwell,” she said. “Well a bit more than a bit, I’m dying. I’m sorry.”

Back at Eileen’s, Julie explained her diagnosis – a sarcoma that started in the lining of her stomach which had spread to her lungs and liver and was terminal.

Eileen asked how long Julie had left, who said she had no more than a year. An angry Eileen told Julie off for not telling her sooner and for lying, and additionally admitted she felt bad for not being a better sister.

It was then that Julie announced she was going to “make the most” of what time she had left, with a teary Eileen promising not to leave her side going forward.

The episode ended with Todd and George apologising to Eileen for keeping Julie’s news from her. An emotional Eileen leaned on the boys for support as she got ready to prepare for what will follow.