Coronation Street Star Tracy Shaw Hailed as Beautiful After Shaving Head Following Cancer Diagnosis
Former Coronation Street star Tracy Shaw has shared an update on her breast cancer journey after shaving her head as she moves into the next phase of treatment. Shaw, who played Maxine Peacock on the ITV soap from 1995 to 2003, first revealed her diagnosis on Instagram in April, telling followers: “My diagnosis of breast cancer. So the journey begins…”
Since then, the actress has documented parts of her treatment publicly, including the decision to cut and donate her hair before chemotherapy began. In a new post, she showed her shaved head while posing outdoors with her dog on her balcony. In the caption, she wrote: “Next phase. My love to my sons Louis and Luca. Your my everything. Peace , joy and love to everyone.”
The post drew a wave of supportive comments from fans and friends, including her former Coronation Street co-star Sally Dynevor, who praised her with the message: “Beautiful xxx.” Dynevor, who has also battled breast cancer, had previously encouraged Shaw in another post, writing: “You look amazing Tracy. Please let me know if there’s anything I can do xxxx.”
Other commenters sent messages of love and encouragement, praising Shaw’s strength and positivity as she continues treatment. Shaw had earlier explained that her plan changed after test results showed she is HER2 positive. She said she had initially been due to have surgery within two weeks, but instead would need chemotherapy for five months before possibly having surgery to remove lumps and lymph glands for further testing, followed by more surgery and radiotherapy if needed.
Before cutting her hair short, Shaw said the decision was painful but necessary, writing that it was “the only choice” she had before cancer took her hair and “identity away” after 52 years. She later used her platform to raise awareness and support for cancer charities, including completing a 100-mile walk for Breast Cancer Now. Shaw said she finished the challenge on 31 May and thanked supporters for their donations, saying the money would help research and support women and men facing the disease.
Her openness about treatment, hair loss and recovery has drawn wide support online, with many followers praising her courage as she continues through chemotherapy and the next stages of care.
