Coronation Street legend reveals breast cancer diagnosis as stars rally round

Actress Tracy Shaw, one of Coronation Street's most popular former stars, has revealed she has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

In a video posted on Instagram on Friday night, Shaw, 52, told fans she is due to start chemotherapy for five months.

The actress, who famously played Maxine Peacock in the ITV soap between 1995 and 2003, said: "I have come on just to explain a situation that is happening in my life.

"I've been diagnosed with breast cancer."
She explained she was originally going to have surgery in two weeks, but test results means she's going to undergo chemotherapy for five months "before then hopefully surgery to have lumps removed and take the lymph glands out".

Appearing visibly emotional, the actress thanks her friends and fans for messaging to "check how I am", explaining she had been off social media for an extended period.

She adds: "I want to send all my love to all the women who are going through this at the same time or have just gone through this process.

"And all the women who have gone through this in the past, who have shown the light and the path for us to follow."
Several of Shaw's co-stars have rallied round the mother-of-two with messages of support on social media.

Samia Longchambon, who has played Maria Connor in the soap since 2000, said: “Sending love to you Tracy.” Another former Corrie star Sally Ann Matthews, who portrayed Jenny Bradley, wrote: “Love you baby girl x.”
Shaw’s character was at the centre of one of Coronation Street’s most gripping storylines when the hairdresser was murdered by Richard Hillman, played by Brian Capron.

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An estimated 17.6 million viewers tuned in to watch the episode .

As well as appearing in Coronation Street for seven years, the actress has also been in several other TV dramas and stage plays, including The Blue Room in 2003.

In February, fellow Corrie legend Beverley Callard revealed she had been diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer.

She had been starring in I’m A Celebrity… South Africa , but had to leave days before the final on the advice of medics , telling campmates she “didn’t feel well” after having “a bit of a funny turn”.

In an update earlier in April, the 69-year-old she said the cancer was successfully removed but had spread to her lymph nodes.