Coronation Street legend Tracy Shaw has been keeping fans updated on her cancer battle after revealing her diagnosis last month. The 52-year-old actress, who played hairdresser Maxine Peacock on the ITV soap, shared a heartfelt update this week, praising the 'gift of life' in a reflective social media post.
Tracy Shaw's Cancer Diagnosis
Tracy, who shot to fame in 1995 as Maxine, the wife of butcher Ashley Peacock (Steven Arnold), announced in April that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. In a video posted to social media, she explained: '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 lymph glands out.'
She added: 'Thank you for messaging me to check how I am because I haven't been present.' The post included hashtags for 'women supporting women' and 'breast cancer'.
Treatment Journey
A month later, Tracy revealed she had started treatment. She said: 'Just come out from having the radiation put in, put in me, basically. Got to stay away from pregnant ladies and young children, and don't use public toilets.' She also shared how her faith has been helping her through the difficult time: 'I've just been so positive all day. I haven't really come on and spoke about my faith before and how important it is to me and how getting up early and praying and having my meditation and doing my rituals every day is vital for how I react to life and the things and situations.'
Recent Update
This week, Tracy shared a video montage of herself outdoors and selfies, writing: 'Life is a gift. Inbetween hospital appointments I embrace nature for peace. Time to reflect, unwind and breathe.' She thanked fans for their support and added: 'Back to hospital tomorrow. Will know then chemo start date! All will be well.'
Coronation Street Legacy
Tracy's character Maxine was killed off in 2003 by the notorious Richard Hillman (Brian Capron). After leaving the soap, she appeared in Casualty and Doctors, and recently starred in the 2025 musical drama Finding My Voice.
Coronation Street airs Monday to Friday at 8:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
