Thelma Barlow

Thelma Barlow (born June 19, 1929) is an English television actress and writer. She is best known for her roles as Mavis Wilton in the long-running ITV soap opera Coronation Street and as Dolly Bellfield in the BBC One sitcom dinnerladies. Barlow was born in Middlesbrough, North Riding of Yorkshire, and was raised by her mother after her father's death. She began her career as a secretary before pursuing acting professionally, joining the Joan Littlewood Theatre Group. In the 1950s, she performed in repertory theaters in Liverpool, Nottingham, and Birmingham. Barlow joined the cast of Coronation Street in 1971, where she gained widespread recognition for her role as Mavis Wilton.