She has been on the show for ages but Julie Hesmondhalgh, better known as transsexual Hayley Cropper, has decided to hang up her red anorak and move onto other projects.

The soap star, who has been a favourite on the street since she first appeared back in 1998, explained that she has had an incredible time on Coronation Street.

 

Hayley has been at the centre of a number of major storylines over the years.

She told the Daily Mirror: “I’ve had the most wonderful and happy time in the life-changing 15-16 years I’ve been in Corrie, and I owe so much to the show and the special team that make it happen.

“The decision to hang up Hayley’s red anorak was a tough one, but doing the play at the Royal Exchange last year (Julie appeared in Black Roses: The Killing of Sophie Lancaster) made me realise that there’s life in the old dog yet and that there are other things I want to try.”

 

In the soap, Hayley is married to Roy Cropper, another soap favourite.

And while we are sad to see Hayley go, we have to admit that we are looking forward to saying goodbye to her bright red anorak and watching what could be an explosive exit.

Executive Producer Kieran Roberts revealed: “We’ll be sorry to say farewell… But we’re planning a screen exit worthy of one of Coronation Street’s best-loved characters."