Coronation Street’s Tracy Shaw bravely shares heartbreaking cancer update
The actress who previously played Maxine Peacock in Coronation Street has shared a devastating cancer update
Former Coronation Street star Tracy Shaw has opened up in an emotional new update as she prepares to begin chemotherapy following her breast cancer diagnosis.
The actress, now 52, is best remembered by soap fans for playing Maxine Peacock on the long-running ITV drama from 1995 to 2003. During her time on the cobbles, Maxine became one of the show’s most memorable characters, known for her dramatic storylines, complicated relationships, and tragic exit that left viewers stunned. Tracy quickly became a fan favourite during the late 90s and early 2000s, with Maxine at the centre of some of Corrie’s biggest plots.
Last month, Tracy revealed she had been diagnosed with breast cancer, and since then she has been keeping followers updated with honest and personal posts about what she’s going through.
In a new video shared on Instagram, the former soap star admitted she had spent the morning in tears as the reality of her treatment started to sink in. Wearing a headscarf as she prepared to head to the hospital, Tracy clarified that she hadn’t shaved her hair, but simply hadn’t had the energy to do anything with it before her appointment.
Speaking candidly to fans, she said: ‘I’m just going to be me, and my truth is…by the way, I’ve not shaved my hair off, I’ve just put a scarf on just because I’ve not done anything with it and I’m going to hospital.’
The actress went on to explain how emotionally draining the constant hospital visits and uncertainty have become.
‘Each morning I wake up and know that I have to go into hospital and receive more news, which has been going on for a long time, that unknown…I just think ‘I can’t go through with this anymore,’ but I’ve not even started my journey.’
Tracy shared that she had been trying to process the next stage of treatment and admitted that part of her wants to get started straight away just so she knows the cancer is being tackled.
‘I’ve had a good cry. I’ll go in later today and I’ll meet some other ladies who will start the treatment with me – chemo. And I’ll find out the date. 50% of me wants to get going.’
She also spoke openly about the fears and worries that creep in while waiting for treatment to begin, particularly as she battles HER2-positive breast cancer.
‘When I wake up and I’ve got really bad headaches or I can feel another twinge in my other boob, I just think “Oh, it’s moving!”’
Tracy praised the medical teams helping her and reflected on how advances in cancer research are giving patients more hope than ever before.
‘With HER2 cancer, we don’t really know what it’s doing… I thank God for everyone who has raised money in the past for charities to be able to help scientists find new drugs be able to give women and gentleman like us a chance.’
Away from Coronation Street, Tracy also dabbled in and had success in music, releasing a cover of Happenin’ All Over Again, and later appeared in TV dramas including Casualty, Doctors and Mile High. Over the years, she has also spoken honestly about her past struggles with addiction, something she referenced while discussing the emotional challenge of cancer treatment.
She explained that unlike addiction recovery, which she has previously overcome, cancer feels like a battle with no quick finish line in sight.
‘All forms of cancer are awful,’ she said. ‘Most of the time, I get on with life but then I think that’s probably what we do. But the fact is when you wake up in the morning and you think “It hasn’t gone away.”’
Despite the fear and uncertainty, Tracy revealed she is trying to focus on taking things one step at a time rather than becoming overwhelmed by the bigger picture.
She also added that she would continue leaning on her medical team and fellow patients as she moves forward with treatment. ‘So today, I’ll be going into the hospital and I’ll be seeing my wonderful oncologist, and some other wonderful women on this journey with me, and I will face the next base camp.’
The actress made an additional post where she shared that she will be shaving her hair. Captioning the candid post, Tracy wrote, ‘Tomorrow I will have my hair cut because it’s the only choice I have with cancer, before it takes my hair, my identity away that I’ve had the last 52yrs .
The fight will continue, Thank you, you’re all wonderful ‘
Following her original diagnosis announcement, many of Tracy’s former Coronation Street co-stars quickly rallied around her with messages of support. Samia Longchambon, who plays Maria Connor, wrote: ‘Sending love to you Tracy.’ Former Corrie actress Sally Ann Matthews also shared her support, posting: ‘Love you baby girl x.’
Fans have continued flooding Tracy’s social media with supportive messages, praising her honesty and bravery as she shares such a difficult journey publicly.
