Julie Hesmondhalgh says filming her 'Coronation Street' exit was "holy and church-like".
The star - whose character Hayley Cropper will commit suicide to end her suffering from pancreatic cancer - revealed the set was unusually "silent" as they shot her final scene.
She told The Sun newspaper's TV Magazine: "The atmosphere on set was like I've ever known it before - it was almost holy and church-like.
"It's a great crew at 'Coronation Street' and there's always a bit of banter, but everyone was silent. Some of the actors and crew were crying."
And while the actress wants to pursue roles in the theatre, she doesn't mind if she will be remembered as Hayley for the rest of her career.
She explained: "'Corrie' has changed my life in every way. I met my husband on it, I had my children while I've been in it, and I've met and worked with people who have been beyond my wildest dreams.
"I know Hayley better than any character you could ever play, so it's been amazing."
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