Former Coronation Street actress Tracy Shaw, best known for playing hairdresser Maxine Peacock on the soap, revealed her diagnosis this year
Inside Coronation Street Maxine Peacock star’s cancer battle after update (Image: Granada Television)
Coronation Street star Tracy Shaw announced her cancer diagnosis last month and has been providing updates to her followers ever since.
Tracy, 52, first rose to prominence portraying hairdresser Maxine Peacock on the beloved long-running soap, making her first appearance in 1995. As the spouse of butcher Ashley (Steven Arnold), Maxine quickly became a much-loved face on the iconic cobbles.
Throughout her time on the show, she was at the centre of several gripping storylines, including a one-night stand with Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson). She also fell pregnant by the local doctor, despite being married to Ashley.
Her time on the street came to a dramatic end in 2003, when her character was brutally murdered by villain Richard Hillman (Brian Capron). In scenes that have since become iconic, Maxine was struck with a crowbar by Richard after returning home from the pub.
Since departing the soap, Tracy has kept herself in the public eye with a handful of television appearances, including roles in Casualty and Doctors. She also landed a part in the 2025 musical drama Finding My Voice, reports the Mirror.
Sadly, in April, Tracy shared the devastating news that she had received a cancer diagnosis. Taking to social media, she informed her followers that she is set to undergo chemotherapy lasting five months, after which she will require surgery.
Tracy revealed her cancer news last month
Speaking in the video she said: “I have come on just to explain a situation that is happening in my life. I have been diagnosed with breast cancer. I have to have chemo for five months, then hopefully surgery to have lumps removed and take the nymph glands out. Thank you for messaging me to check how I am because I haven’t been present.”
Tracy accompanied a video with the caption: “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.” She included hashtags for “women supporting women” and “breast cancer”.
A month on, Tracy disclosed that she had begun her treatment. She posted on social media: “Just come out from having the radiation put in, put in me, basically. Got to stay away from pregnant ladies and young children, and don’t use public toilets.
She then shared that her faith has been helping her through this tough time. Tracy said: said: “I’ve just been so positive all day. I haven’t really come on and spoke about my faith before and how important it is to me and how getting up early and praying and having my meditation and doing my rituals every day is vital for how I react to life and the things and situations.”
Just last week, Tracy offered a cancer update, celebrating the ‘gift of life’ in a heartfelt post. The soap actress shared a video montage of herself enjoying the outdoors, alongside a number of selfies. “Life is a gift. Inbetween hospital appointments I embrace nature for peace.
Time to reflect, unwind and breathe,” Tracy wrote. She continued: “Thank you for all your wonderful messages of support. Back to hospital tomorrow. Will know then chemo start date ! All will be well.”
