Coronation Street star Tracy Shaw has revealed she is battling breast cancer and must undergo five months of chemotherapy to treat aggressive cells
Coronation Street legend Tracy Shaw has sparked a wave of support after bravely announcing she has been diagnosed with breast cancer. The 52-year-old star, immortalised as Maxine Peacock on the cobbles, shared the heart-wrenching news on Instagram this evening.
Tracy informed her followers that she is set to embark on a gruelling five-month course of chemotherapy before doctors decide on the next steps for surgery.
Posting an emotional video to her social media page, Tracy wrote: “My diagnosis of breast cancer. So the journey begins. Love to everyone who is also going through this journey, looking forward to hearing from you all, especially you amazing survivors.”
The actress revealed that her original plan for surgery in a fortnight was derailed by new test results.
Medics at the Royal Berkshire Hospital discovered HER2 in her cells, a protein known to accelerate the growth of cancer, often indicating a more aggressive form of the disease.
Tracy explained that following her chemo sessions, she hopes to undergo surgery to remove lumps and lymph glands. This will allow for further testing, which may lead to additional operations and radiotherapy.
The Corrie family was quick to offer comfort to their former co-star. Samia Longchambon (Maria Connor) posted: “Sending love to you Tracy.” While Sally Ann Matthews (Jenny Connor) added: “Love you baby girl x.”
Tracy, who recently took a break from social media for Lent, opened up about her history of overcoming adversity.
She credited a daily 12-step programme for helping her recover from “many addictions” in the past, including alcoholism, drugs and eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia.
While she admitted the prospect of hair loss due to treatment has been difficult, she remains incredibly resilient. She said: “I am truly grateful that I have this opportunity to hopefully be free from cancer as well.”
Tracy first burst onto our screens in 1995 as the bubbly Maxine Peacock. Her time in Weatherfield was defined by high-octane drama, including a scandalous affair as she famously betrayed pal Fiona Middleton by sleeping with Steve McDonald.
Her marriage to Ashley Peacock was one of the show’s most beloved pairings, but she then conceived a child with the local doctor while married to him.
Maxine met a horrifying end in 2003, murdered by the notorious serial killer Richard Hillman with a crowbar.
Off-screen, Tracy was a 90s sensation, winning Rear of the Year in 1996 and even launching a pop career with singles like Happenin’ All Over Again.
In recent years, she has pivoted to the stage, notably starring in The Blue Room in 2003, where she earned critical acclaim for playing 15 different characters and famously baring all for the production.
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