Julie Hesmondhalgh starred in Corrie for 16 years, and easily secured her name in the soap’s Hall Of Fame for iconic characters.
Thanks to her moving and comedic portrayal of fan favourite Hayley Cropper, viewers will always have a special place in their hearts for the character.
And that goes for the actress, too.
Read more: Corrie fans spot comedy cameo at Weatherfield award ceremony
Julie departed Weatherfield in 2014, when Hayley took her own life rather than die of pancreatic cancer – leaving viewers devastated.
Since then, she has won over even more fans with her portrayal of long-suffering wife Amanda Wadsworth in Happy Valley, and rape victim Trish Winterman in Broadchurch.
And now the 48-year-old Lancashire-born actress has landed a coveted role in something a bit different – Doctor Who.
Read more: Corrie SPOILER: Sinead faces new dilemma when offered miraculous cancer treatment in Germany
And she admits it’s a dream come true, as it’s a role she’s wanted since she was a little girl.
In an interview with What’s On TV, the TV star reveals that when she was growing up, she dreamt of starring in her two favourite TV shows, Coronation Street and Doctor Who…
Now in her forties, she will have fulfilled both those dreams after landing a role in an upcoming episode of the BBC sci-fi series.
This Sunday (18 November), Julie will appear as a mysterious character who follows the Doctor to a warehouse moon orbiting the planet of Kandoka.
She said: “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do and I was so excited to get the part. I’m a massive fan of the show and once I’d done Corrie, it was my burning ambition to be in Doctor Who, but I never thought I would be.
“My kids were upset when I left Corrie, but being in this has definitely won them back around.”
She also teased that her role was “hard work” but different to anything she’s ever done before, adding: “It was amazing and I did stuff I’ve never done before as an actor.
“You’ll know what I mean when you see the episode!”
She also gushed about actress Jodie, who she has starred with in both Broadchurch and Doctor Who.
“For Jodie to be doing it now is the best thing ever,” said Julie. “She’s a great actress and a great role model.”
What we can tell you about the episode is that Julie stars as Judy Maddox, a woman working for a moon-based intergalactic delivery company, who may be involved with a mysterious conspiracy the Doctor and her friends are trying to uncover.
Comedian Lee Mack also guest stars in the episode.
Will you be tuning in to watch Julie in Doctor Who? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think!