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Writers are considering a highly charged storyline which will see Hayley die after a brave fight against the disease, leaving husband Roy distraught
Leaving cobbles behind: Hayley Cropper actress wants to try out new things Leaving cobbles behind: Hayley Cropper actress wants to try out new things
ITV

Corrie transsexual Hayley Cropper will lose a battle with terminal cancer in an emotional farewell.

Actress Julie Hesmondhalgh is to quit Coronation Street after 15 years.

And writers are considering a highly charged storyline which will see Hayley die after a brave fight against the disease, leaving husband Roy distraught.

Julie, 42, is understood to have agreed to the hard-hitting scenes even though it means she can never return to the cobbles.

But worried soap fans who fear the loss of Hayley will also lead to the demise of hubby Roy can rest easy.

After the heartache of losing his wife the Roy’s Rolls owner, played by David Neilson, will be given an exciting new beginning.

Julie, who took the difficult decision to leave the soap after appearing in a play at Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre last year, is expected to film her dramatic final scenes in the early autumn.

And story developers will meet later this month to thrash out the details.

One idea being discussed is using the cancer plotline to help in the fight against the disease.

Julie, who described her time on Corrie as “life-changing”, said: “The decision to hang up Hayley’s red anorak was a tough one but doing the play made me realise that there’s life in the old dog yet and that there are other things I want to try.

“Whatever happens next I’ll always be proudest of lovely Mrs Cropper and, in particular, what we achieved in changing attitudes to transgender and in portraying possibly the most loving, faithful and steadfast couple in soap history. I’ll always be the show’s biggest fan.”

Executive producer Kieran Roberts added: “We’ll be sorry to say farewell to Hayley, and to Julie, but we’re planning a screen exit worthy of one of our best-loved characters.”