For many performers, the word retirement eventually becomes part of the conversation. But for beloved British television star Sherrie Hewson, stepping away from the spotlight is simply not part of the plan.

The veteran actress—famous for her memorable appearances in iconic British soaps like Coronation Street and Emmerdale—has made it clear that as long as she is able, s

he intends to keep performing, writing, and sharing her life with audiences. At 75, Hewson says the idea of slowing down has never crossed her mind.

In a candid interview with Express.co.uk while promoting a campaign with Zingo Bingo, the charismatic actress spoke with the same humor and honesty that has defined her decades-long career. Her outlook on the future is simple—and remarkably blunt.

“Slowing down is not an option,” she said with a laugh. “Retirement is never an option as an actor. You just die—you never retire.”

It’s a striking statement, but for Hewson, it perfectly captures the passion she still feels for the industry that has shaped her life. Acting, after all, isn’t merely a profession to her; it’s the foundation of who she is.

A Life That Began on the Stage

Hewson’s relationship with performance began long before audiences recognized her face on television. In fact, the stage was part of her life from early childhood.

According to the actress, her upbringing was far from conventional. Her mother believed strongly in pursuing talent and opportunity, even if it meant stepping outside the traditional path of schooling.

“I was on stage very young,” Hewson recalled. “By the time I was five years old, I was doing three shows a week.”

While many children were focused on school routines and playground games, Hewson’s world revolved around theatre lights, rehearsals, and live audiences. Those early experiences would set the stage—quite literally—for the career that followed.

Looking back, she admits that such an unusual childhood sometimes makes reflecting on the past complicated.

“That’s all I knew,” she explained. “I didn’t really know about real life at all. So looking back now can be quite strange.”

But those formative years also instilled a resilience and dedication that have kept her working through dramatic changes in the entertainment industry.

From Soap Stardom to Television Favorite

Over the years, Hewson became a familiar and beloved figure across British television. Fans of Coronation Street remember her for bringing humor and warmth to her roles, while viewers of Emmerdale embraced her presence in the rural drama’s ever-evolving storylines.

Beyond soaps, she found success in comedy and panel television as well. Her role as the formidable hotel manager Joyce Temple-Savage in the hit series Benidorm showcased her sharp comedic timing and commanding screen presence.

She also spent years as a regular voice on the daytime panel show Loose Women, where audiences appreciated her honesty and quick wit.

And like many seasoned performers adapting to new opportunities, Hewson even ventured into the unpredictable world of reality television, appearing on Celebrity Big Brother.

Each chapter of her career reflects a willingness to evolve—a trait she believes is essential for survival in modern showbusiness.

Writing the Next Chapter

Although acting remains central to her identity, Hewson is currently focused on another creative project: writing the sequel to her memoir.

Her original autobiography, released more than a decade ago, offered readers an intimate look into her extraordinary life in entertainment. Now, 14 years later, she has been invited to revisit that story and add a new chapter.

But the process, she admits, is far from easy.

Writing the sequel means revisiting decades of memories—some joyful, some challenging, and some she had nearly forgotten.

“It’s quite hard work because I write it myself with an editor,” she explained. “You go back through everything—Big Brother, Benidorm, Loose Women—and lots of things I’ve never spoken about before.”

The deeper she dives into the past, the more surprising the memories become.

“You start remembering things and suddenly think, ‘Oh my God… did I really do that?’”

While the process can be emotionally demanding, it’s also incredibly exciting for the veteran star, who remains passionate about sharing her journey with fans.

“I’m going to finish my book first,” she revealed. “Then we’ll see what happens next.”

A Changing Industry

Reflecting on her career inevitably leads to comparisons between the entertainment industry of the past and the one performers face today.

Hewson entered showbusiness during a time when actors often worked year-round, moving from stage productions to television roles with remarkable consistency.

“There used to be 52 weeks of work a year,” she said.

But the industry has undergone massive transformation in recent decades, particularly with the rise of reality television and changes in programming priorities.

“Reality TV came in and took over,” she noted. “Now it’s a very different world.”

Yet despite these changes, Hewson believes adaptability is the key to longevity.

In her view, resisting change is pointless—because the industry, like life itself, is always evolving.

“Things change all the time,” she said. “You have to be prepared for that. Nothing stands still.”

Wisdom From a Lifetime in Showbusiness

After decades in front of cameras and audiences, Hewson has developed a philosophical outlook on both fame and life.

Her advice is simple: embrace whatever comes next.

“Whether you think something is a good idea or a bad idea doesn’t really matter,” she said. “Things will change anyway.”

Rather than fighting those changes, she believes artists must learn to adapt and keep moving forward.

“Go along with it. Be part of it,” she explained. “Don’t sit there saying, ‘Don’t do that!’ Life changes, the industry changes—so go with it.”

And according to Hewson, the entertainment world has always moved in cycles.

“I’ve been in this business 100 years,” she joked. “Everything is cyclical. It comes around, goes away, and then comes back again.”

Still Looking Ahead

For many performers who began their careers in the golden age of British television, the idea of stepping away might seem natural. But Sherrie Hewson refuses to view her age as a reason to slow down.

Instead, she remains curious about what opportunities might appear next.

“I don’t know what will come next,” she said. “But my mother always used to say that something always will.”

And if her decades of experience are anything to go by, she may very well be right.

With a new memoir in progress and the same fiery passion that launched her onto the stage as a child, Sherrie Hewson is proving that in the world of acting, retirement isn’t a destination—it’s simply a word she refuses to accept.