Jane Hazlegrove, beloved as Bernie on Coronation Street, opens up for the first time about her secret wedding to fellow soap star Isobel Middleton—and the emotional reason they kept it hidden. What made her say: “I didn’t want to do it just because the government said we could”?

For Coronation Street fans, Jane Hazlegrove is known as the fiery, funny, and fiercely loyal Bernie Winter. But off-screen, Jane’s real-life love story has remained largely in the shadows—until now.

In a rare and moving interview, Jane has revealed the truth behind her marriage to fellow actress Isobel Middleton, a love story that quietly unfolded over three decades. From a fateful meeting in a London theatre to a wedding no one was invited to, the couple’s journey is as heartfelt as it is unconventional.

“We didn’t tell anybody,” Jane confesses. “We just went and did it ourselves. All we had to do was take a gas bill and upgrade. Really romantic!”

Jane met Isobel in 1995 after a performance of Boom Bang-a-Bang. The connection was instant, but in an era when same-sex marriage was not legally recognized, the future felt uncertain. Still, they built a life together, forming a deep bond that only strengthened with time.

By 2010, a health scare forced them to act. “Isobel was ill, and because we weren’t legally bound, I wasn’t allowed to know what was happening in hospital. That’s when we decided—no more waiting.” They entered a civil partnership aboard a boat in Bristol, marking their love in private, but with full conviction.

Five years later, same-sex marriage became legal in the UK. But Jane’s response wasn’t what many expected.

“I didn’t want to do it just because the government now said we could,” she said. “I’ve never been part of a gang, never been one to conform. But eventually, we did it our way.”

That “way” meant no guests, no grand dress code—just a quiet ceremony at a Bristol register office, followed by a curry night with six close friends. For Jane, it was perfect.

“I never thought I’d get to have my own big party, full of the people I love and lots of laughter,” she shared, her voice cracking with emotion. “But I did. I really did.”

Now, as they prepare to celebrate 10 years of marriage, Jane reflects on what it means to love openly in a world still marred by prejudice. “Yes, you still meet homophobia every day,” she admits. “But I smile at the homophobes. I try to educate them. I lead from the front.”

She is also a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights through her work with All Out, a global organization pushing for equality and visibility across borders. “There are so many people like me who still can’t be with the ones they love because someone decided it’s ‘not acceptable.’ That’s just abhorrent.”

While Jane continues to bring bold energy to Coronation Street, her personal life is a quieter, more grounded story—one built on resilience, trust, and deep, unwavering love.