"I don't want to go!"

(This post was originally posted by Clinkers (David) on the Coronation Street Blog in July 2013.)

Just one line uttered by Hayley last night probably caused a collective gulp across the nation. After the bluster of chocolate on the Red Rec and champagne at the Bistro, Hayley finally voiced her fears. For viewers, the long goodbye begins and if the last few episodes are anything to go by, it's going to be handled well. An emotional few months are ahead for the Corrie writing team and the excellent Julie Hesmondhalgh as they bring Hayley's story to a close.

Portraying illness on a drama series always calls for a studied approach. Most soaps seem to get it right and many will remember the way in which Alma Halliwell's story was handled over a decade ago. In the hands of an actress like Amanda Barrie, this was always going to provide the right balance between sadness, anger and resignation. It feels like it will be much the same for Hayley, with Julie taking us all on a roller coaster ride of emotions. Also important are the reaction of those around her and already we are seeing Roy and Sylvia providing fierce protection. We can expect this kind of level-headed but caring approach from the likes of Fiz and Carla too.

Not everyone can deal with illness and last night we witnessed the crass mutterings of Beth and well-meant but useless gibbering from Rita, Emily and Norris. It's a natural reaction to reach for inanity when we don't really know what else to say.

Hayley doesn't want to go, we don't want her to go but go she must. Her swansong is essential viewing for the rest of the year. It's going to be a red-eyed, snotty-nosed winter for the viewer so with a bumper supply of teabags and Kleenex at the ready, we raise a toast to Julie Hesmondhalgh and the Corrie team.

Gulp!



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