🚨 A HEARTBREAKING REVELATION! CORONATION STREET ICON TRACY SHAW SHATTERS HEARTS AS SHE REVEALS DEVASTATING CANCER BATTLE! 💔🙏
Former Coronation Street star Tracy Shaw has revealed the sad news that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer.
The actor played Maxine Peacock between 1995 and 2003, before the character was famously murdered by Richard Hillman. More recently, she appeared in the indie film Finding My Voice with EastEnders‘ Michelle Ryan.
On her Instagram, she shared a post with the caption, “My diagnosis of breast cancer. So the journey begins…” and a video going into more detail.
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“I have come on just to explain a situation that is happening in my life”, she said in the video.
“I have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Originally I was going to be having surgery in two weeks, but because my results have come back that I am HER2 positive, it means I have to have chemo for five months.
“Then [there is] hopefully surgery to have lumps removed and take the nymph glands out so they can do some more tests. And possibly more surgery before radiotherapy.”
She thanked people for messaging her to check how she was after not being present, something she put down to Lent, and noted that spending time away from technology helped deal with the diagnosis.
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“Now I am in a 12 step programme and I am open about that,” Shaw continued. “I am recovered from many addictions… You name it, I’ve been addicted to it and recovered from it.”
She also thanked all the friends she has all over the country and the world who are supporting her through this process, though admits it’s not been easy coming to terms with the diagnosis.
Shaw then thanked Royal Berkshire Hospital and everyone who has ever raised money for cancer charities, and sent her support to any women who have had or currently have breast cancer.
Coronation Street icon, Tracy Shaw, has revealed she’s recently been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Tracy, 52, who played Maxine Peacock from May 1995 to January 2003, shared the news in a video on Instagram.
‘I’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer,’ she told her fans. Originally, I was going to be having surgery in two weeks, but because my results have come back… it means I have to have chemo for five months before, then, hopefully, surgery to have the lumps removed.’
She finished by saying that, following that, there would likely be more tests and possibly more surgery.
Tracy captioned the video: ‘Love to everyone who is also going through this journey, looking forward to hearing from you all, especially you amazing survivors.’
Following her announcement, Tracy has been met with a wave of support from friends, fans, and well-wishers.
‘Tracy, sending lots of love to you and the boys,’ wrote Corrie co-star Denise Welch, while Jane Danson added: ‘Oh Tracy, I’m sorry to hear you are going this. Sending love darling’.
Fan Jane Mansfield meanwhile commented: ‘I am gutted for u @tracy.k.shaw you are my childhood memories in @coronationstreet growing up, please keep positive, u r a amazing lady, a hero of mine for years.’
An actress and singer, Tracy is best known for playing Maxine, the wife of Ashley Peacock on Corrie.
Maxine was sadly killed off in one of the soap’s most memorable storylines when she was murdered by Richard Hillman.
![Editorial use only. Exclusive - Premium Rates Apply. Call your Account Manager for pricing. Mandatory Credit: Photo by ITV/Shutterstock (852820br) 'Coronation Street' TV - 2002 - Ashley and Maxine Peacock [Tracy Shaw, Steven Arnold] ITV ARCHIVE](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/SEI_294520323-cac2.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
‘Leaving Coronation Street was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make,’ she said in a statement at the time.
I have had a fantastic seven years, worked on some fabulous storylines and made some great friends.
‘I am very excited about the future, I am already talking to people about possible projects, and although I am nervous about saying goodbye to such a big part of my life, I am relishing the prospect of new challenges.’
It was later reported that Tracy decided to quit the show after bosses tried to cut her pay by £20,000 a year.
Since leaving the cobbles, she’s appeared on TV series like Mile High, Doctors, and Casualty. She’s also led several pantos and gone on several national theatre tours.