Millions tuned in to see the heartbreaking moment when Coronation Street's Hayley Cropper took her own life after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.With her devoted husband Roy by her side, the popular soap character took a cocktail of drugs to end her suffering in scenes that sent Twitter into meltdown as shocked viewers tweeted their tributes.
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Within minutes of the credits rolling, the hashtag #GoodbyeHayley was trending, with Coronation Street co-star Catherine Tyldesley among the first to share her thoughts."#Corrie producers, writers and actors have dealt with this storyline so wonderfully. So proud and privileged to work with all these people x," she wrote.An hour later, she added, "I've cried to the point of feeling sick #GoodbyeHayler. Hayley Cropper has been like chicken soup for my soul all these years. As an avid viewer I will miss her deeply. What a character #corrie."
Catherine Tydesely was among those who took to Twitter to say goodbye
Vicky Entwhistle — best know for her role as Janice Battersby — also took to Twitter shortly after watching actress Julie Hesmondhalgh's last moments on the soap, 15 years after she first arrived in Wetherfield. "Wonderful performances @juliehes & David. Just wonderful!!! Andy & I are in bits. #GoodbyeHayley made us proud to know you! x. "TV presenter Jenni Falconer was also incredibly moved by the episode. "What incredible acting and emotional scenes. I know it's a soap but my heart is aching for Roy #GoodbyeHayley."
TOWIE star Bobby Cole Norris struggled to contain his emotions. "Time to sob uncontrollably…#GoodbyeHayley."
With on-screen husband Roy Cropper (David Neilson)
ITV announced last year that actress Julia planned to leave the show by taking her own life after a battle with cancer. But while the nation mourned the death of Hayley, the lady responsible for bringing her to life admitted she wouldn't be watching.
In a tweet posted shortly before the show aired, she wrote, "I'm rehearsing tonight so won't be online, but THANK U for all your incredible messages today. Totally overwhelmed xxx."