Hesmondhalgh: 'Corrie has been thrilling'

Coronation Street star Julie Hesmondhalgh has revealed that she is glad to have taken a more central role in the soap this year.

The actress's character Hayley Cropper was a key part of the show's dramatic siege episodes back in June, while fans also saw the factory worker tie the knot with partner Roy (David Neilson) in the summer.

Speaking to the Inside Soap Yearbook 2011, Hesmondhalgh explained: "I'm usually just pootling around in Roy's Rolls making butties, so to be involved in the marriage and the factory fire was really thrilling.

"And it all tied in with Roy not wanting to splash out on a big wedding, then after the siege realising just how much Hayley meant to him."

Hesmondhalgh added that she is expecting a quieter time for Hayley in 2011 following her eventful few months.

Asked what will happen to the character next year, she replied: "I honestly don't know. I've had an action-packed year, so I'd imagine Hayley will fade into the background a little bit now and let other people have a go. The great thing about her is that she's out there in the world, involved in the factory and the café."

Corrie's series producer Phil Collinson recently said that one of Roy's relatives is likely to arrive on the cobbles next year.