Corrie's Hayley taking break from soap

Julie Hesmondhalgh is taking a break from 'Coronation Street'.

The 42-year-old actress - who plays transsexual cafe owner Hayley Cropper on the ITV soap - will be appearing in a play in Manchester for the next few months and will be away from the Street until October.

Writing on twitter, she said: ''Right that's me done. Bye bye weatherfield til October! #bitoftheatre#sicksinmouth (sic)''

Julie will be playing a leading role in a play based on the 2007 death of a student who was attacked for being a goth at Manchester's Royal Exchange.

A number of soap actors have been taking breaks from their careers recently, including 'EastEnders' legend June Brown - better known as Dot Branning - who is taking time out to write her memoirs.

However, she is unsure if she will return.

The 85-year-old star said: ''My contract ended and I want to do something else. As an actress you don't want to always plod along at the same thing. I don't know how long I will be out.

''In fact I have no idea if I will go back - no one is indispensable.''