Thelma Barlow, best known for her iconic role as Mavis Wilton on Coronation Street, has made an exciting return to acting after a long hiatus. The beloved actress, who graced the cobbles for 26 years

between 1971 and 1997, stars in the charming short film Sleepless in Settle. The film, which is available for free on YouTube, marks Barlow’s first major project since retiring.

Set in the picturesque North Yorkshire town of Settle, where Barlow settled after leaving Coronation Street, the 22-minute short is a delightful comedy about family, love, and the passing of time.

Directed by her Dinnerladies co-star Judy Flynn, the film follows 72-year-old Alan and his 94-year-old mother Barbara. Fearing that her son will be alone after her death, Barbara is determined to find him a wife. Inspired by the movie Sleepless in Seattle, she sets out to find a suitable match for Alan, leading to an unexpected series of events. What begins as an innocent plan to secure his future turns into a whirlwind of romance, with Alan eventually learning of his mother’s matchmaking scheme.

In addition to Barlow’s return to the screen, Sleepless in Settle features an appearance by actor Graham Turner, known for playing Tai Chi instructor Gerry Northrop on Coronation Street in 2023.

Barlow shared her excitement about the project, telling BBC News, “I’m delighted that such a sweet comedy will reach a wider audience. It’s just the kind of gentle humor people need right now.” She added that the film has a heartwarming message about different generations living together harmoniously and was “such fun to make.”

Although the film is set in Settle, the production was filmed in Rye and Rye Harbour in September 2023. The beautiful locations provide the perfect backdrop for the film’s lighthearted tone and heartfelt story.

Director Judy Flynn explained that she had always admired Barlow’s work, and after reconnecting at Barlow’s 90th birthday party, she approached her with the idea of creating a project specifically for her. Flynn said, “Filming with Thelma was a total joy. She had so much energy and was full of ideas, and it was clear she was eager to return to acting.”