Tracy Shaw, best known for her role as Maxine Peacock on Coronation Street, reunited with fellow former cast member Sally Ann Matthews for a day out as she continues her chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer.
Maxine Peacock Star's Career and Diagnosis
The 52-year-old actress first appeared on the ITV soap in 1995. Her character Maxine worked at the salon with Denise Osbourne (Denise Black) and Audrey Roberts (Sue Nicholls), and was married to Ashley Peacock (Steven Arnold). Maxine had a dramatic pregnancy storyline following an affair with Matt Ramsden (Stephen Beckett). She was famously murdered by villain Richard Hillman (Brian Capron) in an episode watched by over 17 million viewers.
Shaw also appeared in Casualty, Doctors, and Mile High. In April 2026, she announced her breast cancer diagnosis, revealing she would need five months of chemotherapy after testing HER2 positive. She stated: "Originally, I was going to have surgery in two weeks, but because my results have come back that I am HER2 positive, it means I have to have chemo for five months. Then [there is] hopefully surgery to have lumps removed and take the nymph glands out so they can do some more tests. And possibly more surgery before radiotherapy."
Reunion with Sally Ann Matthews
On Friday, June 18, Shaw shared on Instagram that she met Sally Ann Matthews, who played Jenny Bradley on Coronation Street from 1986 to 1991 and returned full-time in 2015 until leaving for Tenerife last year. Although their characters never shared scenes, Shaw and Matthews met while starring in the play Mum's The Word in 2010. The pair enjoyed brunch and posed for a smiling photo, which Shaw captioned: "Never stopped laughing #sallyannmatthews. Meet for an hr. Brunch led to lunch. 3 hrs of glorious laughter. Homemade ginger biscuits, and sunflowers, I was spoilt. We met on tour years ago and we haven't stopped laughing since. Love you Sal."
Fan Support
Followers responded warmly to the reunion. @momma_wooly1 said: "Oh this is fabulous! Just the tonic you deserved. Beautiful actresses." @theodora4pott added: "How lovely to see you happy so pleased you had a good time catching up with your friend." @lorrainetoomey2020 wrote: "Beautiful both of you. So lovely Tracy seeing you becoming you again." @hobson.claire79 posted: "Laughter is the best medicine darling." @steedlindy commented: "So nice to see you having a lovely time. Beautiful photos." @anne_barrett56 posted: "So pleased to see you having fun xxx."
