Coronation Street fans have been left in tears as two legends from the ITV soap were seen reuniting away from the cobbles – but could it mean a return to Weatherfield?
Corrie viewers have been clamouring for a comeback after spotting two icons of the renowned series catching up off the famous cobblestones.
It has been 11 years since Roy Cropper—and soap fans alike—bade an emotional adieu to Hayley Cropper, portrayed by the talented Julie Hesmondhalgh.
Julie brought to life Coronation Street’s trailblazing first transgender character, and indeed the first longstanding transgender character in serial drama globally, from 1998 until 2014.
After her debut in Weatherfield, Hayley became a staple on the street for 16 years, always digging deep to find the best in people, shepherding Fiz Brown (Jennie McAlpine) and Becky McDonald (Katherine Kelly), and later forming a remarkably close bond with Carla Connor (Alison King).
Yet, it was Hayley’s endearing romance with Roy that really tugged at heartstrings, the couple tying the knot through deed poll in 1999 and then legally in 2010, reports the Manchester Evening News.
So naturally, viewers were heartbroken when Hayley chose to end her life while grappling with terminal pancreatic cancer, in what Julie called a “right to die” storyline.
Elsewhere, Katherine Kelly made waves as the fiery Becky McDonald in Corrie. Actress Katherine Kelly stirred up the scene when she hit Weatherfield as Becky Granger in 2006.
Her tenure on the ITV soap lasted six thrilling years, despite originally signing on for just three months.
Becky’s spell on the cobbles sure was chock-full of drama, becoming Steve McDonald’s third bride before their split and her bold move to wreck Steve’s ex Tracy Barlow’s wedding day.
Yet it wasn’t all tumult for Becky as Corrie fans also saw a softer side through her bond with Hayley and Roy, who became like family. Then came 2012, when Becky waved goodbye to Weatherfield for sunnier climes in Barbados, alongside new love Danny Stratton.
Fast-forward to now, Katherine Kelly and Julie Hesmondhalgh, the ladies behind Becky and Hayley, have been spotted together hinting at a collaborative venture. Katherine updated fans with an Instagram post showing herself with Julie seemingly busy in a recording booth.
The caption expressed her fondness: “A day spent with one of my FAVOURITE human beings deserves a place on the grid @jhesmondhalgh.”
The comments section went ablaze with excitement. @joannewelch58 chimed in: “Becky and Haley back together.”
@luscious_lakeram exclaimed: “This photo has made my day, all we need is David in the middle.” @matthewrolland1993 shared: “Love this photo with you both.”
The buzz around Julia and Katherine’s get-together made waves on X, once known as Twitter. @KatieJukesy tweeted: “‘Does it ever drive you crazy?’ ‘Just how fast the night changessss’. I want Hayley and Becky back! #Corrie.” @mishybabez_ could barely contain their excitement: “HAYLEY AND BECKY REUNION AHHH MY GODDDDD.
