Coronation Street's Yasmeen Metcalfe star's life off-screen from 27-year romance to health battle

Shelley King has appeared on our TV screens for decades, with her most famous role being Yasmeen Metcalfe in Coronation Street, but she has faced struggles away from the screen

Shelley King, who's captured hearts as Yasmeen Metcalfe on ITV's Coronation Street, is also known for her role as Jay Harper in the BBC's Angels and has graced our screens in The Bill and Silent Witness.

At 69, Shelley hasn't shied away from discussing personal battles, including coming to terms with her sexuality and an autism diagnosis. She opened up about being diagnosed with autism at 67, which she said has made her "less scared of life".

"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," Shelley shared about her late diagnosis.

She also mused that perhaps her autism steered her towards acting, explaining: "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 candid chat with Kaye Adams on the How To Be 60 podcast, shortly after her autism assessment, Shelley confessed: "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."

Shelley praised her partner of 25 years, director Trilby James, for her support in managing symptoms akin to autism, admitting: "I've learnt a lot more about myself as she has helped me to become more tolerant and to like myself more."

Shelley and Trilby's love story spans over 27 years, with Shelley openly calling Trilby her "soulmate", reports the Liverpool Echo. In a candid revelation about her personal life, Shelley shared with Metro how she came out to her parents following the start of 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," Shelley penned in a touching column.

"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."