Best friends with Anne Reid; they frequently holiday together.
Has an older sister, Veda (née Piggott) McGhee (b. 1925).
She is associated with the phrase "I don't really know", which originated not as her catchphrase but as that of comedian Les Dennis in his regular send-up of her Coronation Street (1960) character in the 1980s sketch comedy The Laughter Show (1984).
Upon leaving school at 15 she found work as a secretary.
Gave birth to her 1st child at age 30, a son Clive Barlow on March 27, 1960. Child's father is her [now ex] husband, Graham Barlow.
Has two grandsons - Thomas (b. 1992) and Matthew (b. 1995) - via son Clive.
Gave birth to her 2nd child at age 33, a son James Barlow on July 11, 1962. Child's father is her [now ex] husband, Graham Barlow.
Is a keen gardener.
When about 3 family moved to village of Hutton Rudby near Middlesborough. then about 3 years later moved to Huddersfield.
Brought up by her mother, Meggie, grandmother and older sister, Veda.