Fifteen years have passed since viewers waved goodbye to Claire Peacock on Coronation Street, as the character departed Weatherfield for a new life in France. The actress behind the role, Julia Haworth, left the ITV soap in January 2011, but what has she been doing since her dramatic exit from the cobbles?
From Weatherfield Nanny to Soap Staple
Julia Haworth first appeared on the long-running serial in 2003, introduced as the nanny for Ashley Peacock's son, Joshua. Her character, Claire, quickly became a fixture, marrying Ashley and embedding herself in the Peacock family. During her eight-year tenure, Haworth portrayed several major storylines, most notably a heartbreaking postnatal depression plot following the birth of her on-screen son, Freddie.
The character's journey culminated in tragedy when Ashley, played by Steven Arnold, was killed during the show's 50th anniversary tram crash in 2010. Claire's subsequent departure in early 2011 marked the end of an era for the Peacock family on the street.
A Thriving Career Beyond the Cobbles
Since leaving Coronation Street, Julia Haworth has maintained a successful and varied acting career. She has appeared in numerous television series, demonstrating her versatility. Notably, she played Laura Wade on the BBC soap Doctors from 2018 to 2019 and secured a role in the second series of ITV's drama The Bay.
Her credits also include a part alongside Liz Hurley in the American drama The Royals, and she portrayed Doris Owen in Season 10 of BBC's Call the Midwife in 2021. More recently, she featured as Pamela Parks in the BBC series A Kind of Spark.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Actors
Beyond her on-screen work, Haworth has passionately embraced a parallel career in education. In 2018, she began studying for a teaching qualification at Bolton College, aiming to pass on her professional knowledge to aspiring performers.
"As an actor still working professionally within the entertainment industry, the knowledge and skills I am teaching to the Performing Arts students here at Bolton College are 100 per cent up to date, accurate and relevant," she told The Bolton News. She emphasised that this direct industry insight is crucial for helping learners with their future employability.
In her teaching role, she has focused on developing acting skills, guiding students in creating show reels, and offering practical advice on auditions and life on a television set.
Life Away from the Cameras
Julia Haworth is married to accountant Jon Wormald, whom she met in 2003 and wed in 2006 at St Stephen's Church in Burnley. The couple, who described their meeting as love at first sight, have two daughters, born in 2008 and 2013. Her Coronation Street co-stars, including Steven Arnold and Jane Danson, attended their wedding, highlighting the close bonds formed during her time on the show.
While Claire Peacock's time on the cobbles is now a distant memory for fans, Julia Haworth has successfully built a fulfilling life that skilfully blends continued acting work with a committed role in shaping the talents of tomorrow.
