Award-winning actor Julie Hesmondhalgh has spoken exclusively to Beyond Radio at a Q&A and book signing event in Lancaster.
Julie, famed for her role as Hayley Cropper in Coronation Street, was at The Dukes theatre in the city on Wednesday.
She was there to have a talk with an audience about acting career to mark the launch of her new book 'An Actor's Alphabet'.
Julie took questions on how to get into acting and the challenges of working in the industry.
The BAFTA award-nominated and National TV award-winning actor was also at The Dukes to launch a new three-year programme called Prime Time to help older supporters of the theatre who may struggle with loneliness.
In the interview, Julie talks about her experience of visiting The Dukes, her role as Hayley Cropper and her decision to leave Coronation Street, the importance of The Dukes, and her plans for the future.
LISTEN to our interview with Julie Hesmondhalgh
Julie played Hayley, the first transgender character in British soap opera, from 1998 to 2014.
The character became a favourite of fans and Julie won Best Serial Drama Performance and Best Actress at the National Television Awards in 2014 for her portrayal of Hayley (pictured below).
Julie is also known for her roles in massively popular TV shows such as Broadchurch and Happy Valley, as well as being the voice of The Weakest Link, and stage performances at venues including Manchester’s Royal Exchange and the Royal Court Theatre, London.
She was joined during the interview by Carl Woodward, head of creative communities at The Dukes.
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