Tracy Shaw, who played Maxine Peacock in popular ITV soap Coronation Street between 1995 and 2003, has told she has been diagnosed with breast cancer
22:04, 24 Apr 2026Updated 22:20, 24 Apr 2026
Tracy will need surgey for her cancer.(Image: tracy.k.shaw/Instagram)
Coronation Street legend Tracy Shaw has been diagnosed with breast cancer, she has revealed tonight.
The actress, best known for playing Maxine Peacock in the soap for over seven years, took to social media and told fans she is due to start chemotherapy which will last for five month before having surgery.
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.”
Maxine, 52, wrote alongside a video: “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 added hashtags for “women supporting women” and “breast cancer”.
Tracy in Corrie
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Speaking in the clip posted on social media, Tracy, who was born in Belper, Derbyshire, added: “Originally I was going to be having surgey in two weeks, but because my results have come back that I am HER2 positive (positive for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2), it means I have to have chemo.”
The actress, who has also been in several other TV dramas and stage plays such as The Blue Room in 2003, said she made the decision to avoid social media during Lent because, the time away from technology, has “helped deal with the diagnosis”.
Many of Tracy’s co-stars have offered the mum of two their support and left kind messages on social media. Samia Longchambon, who has played Maria Connor in the soap since 2000, said: “Sending love to you Tracy.” Another former Corrie star Sally Ann Matthews, who portrayed Jenny Bradley, wrote: “Love you baby girl x.”
According to the NHS breast cancer is most common type of cancer in women in the UK. The main treatment for breast cancer in women and people with breasts is usually surgery. Other common treatments include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, treatment with hormones (hormone therapy), and targeted medicines and immunotherapy.
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