Coronation Street's Yasmeen star's life off-screen from secret romance to health battle

Coronation Street star Shelley King is best known for playing Yasmeen Metcalfe on the cobbles and has also opened up about her personal life away from the ITV soap

Shelley King, renowned for her role as Yasmeen Metcalfe in ITV's Coronation Street and Jay Harper in the BBC drama series Angels, has been candid about her personal struggles. The 69 year old actress, who has also appeared in shows like The Bill and Silent Witness, opened up about her autism diagnosis at the age of 67.

"I don't think 67 is too old, it's never too late. It's been a great outpouring and it's making me less scared of my life and that I'm not doing things right," she shared.

Shelley suggested that her autism might have influenced her acting career, stating: "I always wanted to perform... if I sing, it makes me feel better. Most actors are damaged in some way. They go into acting to fill a big hole in themselves or become somebody else."

In a conversation with Kaye Adams on her podcast How To Be 60, shortly after her initial autism assessment, Shelley revealed: "This morning has been quite a big deal for me. I've always had a temper, I'm very pedantic and I like to plan things. Simple things that people take for granted have not been easy for me."

She expressed gratitude towards her partner of 25 years, director Trilby James, for helping her manage symptoms associated with autism, saying: "I've learnt a lot more about myself as she has helped me to become more tolerant and to like myself more," reports the Liverpool Echo.

Shelley and Trilby have enjoyed 27 years together, with Shelley referring to Trilby as her "soulmate" and opening up about coming out to her parents after they started their relationship.

"Then I met Trilby, 27 years ago. She had never had a relationship with a woman and it was so difficult for both of us. But almost instantly we had an inexorable attraction. We are soulmates. It's as if there is an umbilical cord between us. It's not always plain sailing, but the ship will never break," shared Shelley in a heartfelt article for Metro.

Moreover, she revealed: "After we got together, I 'came out' to my parents aged 42. They were not in the least surprised. Our families love us together and she made the wait to find my other half worthwhile."