[Scarlett.]

Julie Hesmondhalgh is planning a break from Coronation Street shortly after the 50th anniversary celebrations at the end of the year.

The 40-year-old actress, who plays dowdy Hayley Cropper in the ITV1 soap, admitted she had been inspired to take a sabbatical by Sally Dynevor, who plays Sally Webster on screen.

Sally recently returned to Weatherfield after battling breast cancer. "I'm inspired by all the stuff she's been saying about sorting her priorities," Julie said.

"I'd quite like to do a big world trip with the family."

Corrie bosses are understood to be supportive of Julie's plans to take some time off. An ITV spokesman said: "As long as we have notice, we should be able to accommodate her request."

Julie has been in Corrie since she was 28 and the past year had been a busy one for Hayley - storylines included a wacky wedding and being held hostage by crazed killer Tony Gordon.

The Mirror