Julie Hesmondhalgh celebrates 10 years since Coronation Street exit: ‘The most incredible sendoff ever’

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Julie Hesmondhalgh, a former Coronation Street star, is commemorating ten years since her legendary time on the cobbles.

The 53-year-old’s most well-known role is that of Hayley, who made her soap opera debut in 1998 in a storyline that was only ever intended to last a few episodes.

Given that Hayley was the first transgender character in a UK soap opera, this was all the more amazing.

The character was identified as having pancreatic cancer in 2013. Hayley chose to end her life on her terms after treatment failed, passing away in 2014 in the arms of her husband Roy Cropper (David Neilson).

The Broadchurch actress posted a blurry photo of herself holding David (Roy) in her hands while they were on set, with flowers in the corner, to commemorate ten years since her time on the soap opera.

She wrote: “Today is ten years ago.” The best send-off ever on my last day on the cobbles. It has PASSED BY! X️

**Julie Hesmondhalgh played trans character Hayley Cropper on Coronation Street (Picture: ITV)**

Russell T. Davies, the screenwriter for Doctor Who, added his thoughts to the festivities as well as those of other celebrities and fans, writing, “Oh amazing ❤️❤️❤️.”

Another person commented, “I’m loving Hayley and Roy on Classic Corrie right now. You and David Neilson are two of the greatest characters to have ever appeared on the Street.”

Cutting edge transgender storyline was next level back then, a third person agreed. I still see Hayley when I see Roy because of the dignity and grace with which you portrayed her.

In her previous statement, Julie acknowledged the advancements she had made since her Weatherfield debut, stating, “As a cis-gender person, I wouldn’t be able to play that part now.”

“I think it would have been a little out of step with the times for me to be playing that part now, so it’s a good thing I left when I did.”

“There are so many incredible trans actors working today.”

“I’m really proud of my tiny little part in the story of trans history and trans rights,” Julie continued.

Following her departure from Corrie, Julie went on to star in a number of TV series, such as The Pact on BBC One, Trish Winterman on ITV’s Broadchurch, and Heather in series 3 of The A Word, which followed Joe (Max Vento), an autistic boy, as he grew up, attended school, and dealt with his parents’ divorce.