Bernie Winter may not have had the grandest entrance when she

arrived on Coronation Street in 2019, but over the years, she has carved

out a place for herself on the cobbles.

Initially met with skepticism by her own children, Bernie has transformed into a character beloved by fans—known for her fiery personality,

humorous antics, and deep love for her family.

However, her time in Weatherfield has not been without heartache, and her fifth year on the soap has delivered some of the most devastating moments for the character.

A Rocky Start in Weatherfield

When Bernie first set foot in Weatherfield, her children, twins Gemma Winter and Paul Foreman, were less than pleased.

Having grown up with a mother notorious for her dishonesty and schemes, the siblings were wary of letting her back into their lives.

Bernie’s past was riddled with questionable decisions, including a history of theft and deception, making it difficult for them to trust her.

Yet, despite her troubled history, Bernie’s outspoken nature and unwavering determination soon won over her children—and the audience. Over the years, she became a fixture in some of Coronation Street’s more outlandish storylines. From selling fake pregnancy tests using Gemma’s urine to her unexpected romance with Dev Alahan, Bernie’s antics provided plenty of comedic relief.

But beneath the humor and mischief, Bernie’s softer side began to shine, particularly in her relationships with her children and grandchildren.

Heartbreak Strikes as Paul’s Illness Takes Its Toll

This past year has marked a significant shift in Bernie’s journey, bringing her face to face with one of the most heart-wrenching experiences a mother can endure. Her son, Paul, was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND), a terminal illness that progressively weakened his muscles and mobility.

As the disease took its toll, Bernie did everything she could to support Paul, standing by him as his condition worsened. Her fierce love for her son was evident in every moment she spent caring for him, desperately trying to make his final months as comfortable as possible.

Paul’s eventual passing left Bernie shattered. While she had always been known for her resilience, this loss marked one of the most painful experiences of her life. It was a stark reminder that, despite her tough exterior, Bernie is, at her core, a devoted mother who would do anything for her children.

Jane Hazlegrove: The Actress Behind Bernie Winter

Away from the dramatic ups and downs of Weatherfield, actress Jane Hazlegrove leads a very different life from her on-screen alter ego. Many fans were surprised when they first saw Jane outside of her Coronation Street role, noting that she appeared almost unrecognizable from the character she portrays.

At 54 years old, Jane boasts an impressive  television career spanning decades. Long before she took on the role of Bernie, she was best known for playing Kathleen “Dixie” Dixon in Casualty, a role she held from 2006 to 2016 before making a brief return in 2019.

Her acting résumé extends even further, including guest appearances in various British dramas. However, Coronation Street is not her first time on the famous cobbles—she previously played Sue Clayton in 1985, a character who lived at Number 11 Coronation Street (now home to Eileen Grimshaw). This makes her one of the rare actresses to portray more than one regular character on the soap.

A Loving Marriage with Soap Star Isobel Middleton

In her personal life, Jane has found happiness with fellow actress Isobel Middleton. The couple has been married since 2015, and while they share a passion for acting, they have never worked together professionally.

Speaking about their relationship in a 2019 interview on Lorraine, Jane revealed:

“We’ve not [worked alongside each other], which is probably why we’re still together. She’s sensational, a really beautiful woman. I am very blessed.”

The couple relocated back to Manchester just before Jane joined Coronation Street, a decision that she says has brought her great happiness.

Isobel has an impressive soap career of her own, having played multiple roles across EastEnders and Emmerdale. Most notably, she portrayed Sadie Banks in EastEnders in 2002, and in Emmerdale, she has appeared as Dr. Lane in 2014, a prosecution barrister in 2018, and Jean Rawson in 2020.

A Celebrated Talent in British Television

Jane’s talent has not gone unnoticed. In 2022, she was nominated for Best Comedy Performance at the British Soap Awards for her portrayal of Bernie Winter. Though she did not win, her wife, Isobel, took to Twitter to share her pride, writing:

“Very proud that my sublimely talented and hilarious wife has been nominated for Best Comedy Performance at the #soapawards2022. We can’t vote, but if I could, I would. Repeatedly.”

It’s clear that Jane Hazlegrove has made a lasting impact on Coronation Street, and while Bernie’s future remains uncertain, her presence on the cobbles has left a mark that won’t soon be forgotten.

Whether she’s causing mischief, bringing laughter, or delivering some of the soap’s most emotional moments, Bernie Winter—and the actress behind her—continues to be a fan favorite in Weatherfield.