Corrie star Julie Hesmondhalgh has finally explained her exit from the show.
Her character Hayley Cropper devastated fans with her heartbreaking storyline in which she suffered from pancreatic cancer.
The character died in 2014, husband Roy - played by David Neilson - by her side.
Upon deciding to leave Corrie, Julie and the writers knew "Hayley would have to die."
The star told Entertainment Daily : "When I said I was going to leave Corrie, I knew the door wasn't going to be left open. Because Roy and Hayley would never split up."
She added: "So unless David was ready to leave as well, which he wasn't, Hayley would have to die."
And despite leaving the show behind six years ago, Julie's still an avid fan and watches it "relgiously."
The heavy-hitting plotline about a fan favourite suffering from cancer resonated with fans, Julie telling that she was moved by the public's response.
"There was a big campaign of awareness around pancreatic cancer and the right to die movement around that, and it reinforced my belief that soaps can really, really change things – change people's way of thinking," proud Julie gushed.
Hayley was the first ever transgender character in a British soap, something that made waves when she first appeared on our screens in 1998.
"What people don't remember is that I came into Corrie with a massive splash because of the trans storyline and I ended with this huge, beautiful and tragic story," Julie continued.
"In between there were many years of me just pootling round the cafe or the knicker factory. Had I just left in a taxi, I just don't think it would have had the same impact in any way."
But Julie has no regrets about leaving Corrie, despite her years of emotionally heavy and enriching storylines.
She's currently filming with BBC Wales for new drama, The Pact.
Her other credits include classic British shows like Broadchurch, Doctor Who and Happy Valley.
And as a mum to two teenage girls, Julie told that lockdown had been a tough period for them.
"We've certainly not been immune to mental health issues in our family," she shared, "I don't think any family with young people in it has."
If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operates a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email Jo@samaritans.org if you'd prefer to write down how you feel. You are not alone.
