Coronation Street favourite Roy Cropper finally started to move on from his late wife Hayley last night, but Julie Hesmondhalgh couldn't be happier.

The actress, who played Hayley for 16 years, was glued to her sofa last night as the soap aired an hour-long live special to celebrate ITV's 60th birthday .


Roy featured in touching scenes in the episode, as his emotional heart-to-heart with Cathy Matthews led to them sharing their first kiss.

The heartwarming moment marked a major turning point for Roy, who had been reluctant to find love again after losing Hayley in January 2014.

Asked about the storyline on Twitter last night, Hesmondhalgh expressed her belief that Hayley would totally approve of the new couple.

@JuliaCrofts @itvcorrie totally, it's what she would have wanted! Xxx

? Julie Hesmondhalgh (@juliehes) September 23, 2015

Hesmondhalgh also got in touch with Melanie Hill, who plays Cathy, to praise her for her performance in the live show.

@melaniejhil you were brilliant Melanie! Well done. Xxxx

? Julie Hesmondhalgh (@juliehes) September 23, 2015

@juliehes thanx JulieThat means a lot to mePHEWThank goodness it went without a hitch younguns were fantastic. See you tonighT #GAPTheatre

? Melanie Hill (@melaniejhil) September 24, 2015

Hesmondhalgh has kept busy with a number of TV and theatre projects since her final Coronation Street scenes aired last year.

She was most recently confirmed for series two of Happy Valley , which will air on BBC One next year.

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