Coronation Street stars film on location as Hayley Cropper is laid to rest

Coronation Street cast and crew have been filming on location for what is believed to be the funeral of Hayley Cropper (Julie Hesmondhalgh).

Paparazzi pictures on the Daily Star website show Hayley’s on screen husband Roy played by David Neilson filming outside of a church alongside other cast members from the ITV soap.

The character of Hayley is currently battling terminal pancreatic cancer and her relationship with Roy has been put under strain by Hayley’s wish to end her own life.

Other cast present at the location shoot included Sally Webster (Sally Dynevor), Sean Tully (Antony Cotton) and Carla Connor (Alison King).

Hesmondhalgh made her first appearance as transsexual Hayley in 1998 and went on to become part of one of the soap’s most enduring partnerships when Hayley married café owner Roy.

Over the years Roy and Hayley have battled prejudice over their relationship, formed strong bonds with younger characters such as Fiz (Jennie McAlpine), Chesney (Sam Aston) and Becky (Katherine Kelly), and suffered heartache after falling foul of one of Tracy Barlow’s (Kate Ford) wicked schemes.

The actress announced her intention to leave the soap in January this year after 15 years, saying

The decision to hang up Hayley’s red anorak was a tough one, but doing the play at the Royal Exchange last year 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. – Hesmondhalgh