Coronation Street legend makes surprise appearance on stage at sold-out gig
My literal, literal favourite person in the world.
A Coronation Street icon who graced the beloved soap for over 16 years made an unexpected cameo at a packed Manchester gig over the weekend.
Sheffield vocalist Self Esteem, renowned for tracks such as You Forever, I Do This All The Time and Prioritise Pleasure, is currently embarking on an impressive three-night stint at Manchester Academy, which kicked off on Saturday (September 27).
The performance, hailed as a masterclass in stagecraft, continued with another sold-out show on Sunday evening (September 28), timed to celebrate the critically-lauded launch of the artist’s third album A Complicated Woman released earlier this year.
Midway through Sunday’s 17-track set, the performer – real name Rebecca Lucy Taylor – launched into If Not Now, It’s Soon from her latest record.
The song incorporates a sample featuring two spoken lines by actress Julie Hesmondhalgh, who made a special appearance in Manchester to deliver the words live on stage, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Taking to the stage wearing a red top, Julie, celebrated for her former portrayal of Hayley Cropper on the cobbles, received thunderous applause from the 5,000-strong audience as she stepped up to the microphone.
After delivering her two lines, she remained on stage to dance with Rebecca and her band, before embracing the singer warmly.
Following this magical moment, Rebecca addressed the audience: “We’re in the presence of greatness. My literal, literal favourite person in the world.”
Rebecca has previously opened up about her admiration for Julie. Before the release of the track featuring both artists earlier this year, she revealed on social media: “I always wanted to sample someone inspirational personally, professionally and politically for this song.
“Please welcome to the stage Miss Julie Hesmondhalgh. I have been lucky enough to become friends with this endlessly encouraging and powerful woman. Everyone in the videos and on the record gives me hope. Find the people who give you hope and hold them close!”.
Following Rebecca’s Instagram post of behind-the-scenes footage several months ago, Julie responded with affection: “Waaaah! Oh sweetheart! LIFE MADE, DREAM REALISED, HEART FULL, HOPE RESTORED.”
Beyond her stint on Coronation Street from 1998 to 2014, Julie has featured in various television productions such as Cucumber, Broadchurch and Mr Bates vs The Post Office.
Julie is part of The Gap writing collective, which operates from Manchester, whilst also backing the Arts Emergency organisation and serving as a mentor with the National Youth Theatre.
This year saw Julie receive honorary lifetime membership of the Equity union in recognition of her campaigning efforts to prevent the demolition of Oldham Coliseum. She was praised as a ‘figurehead’ in the fight to preserve the cherished theatre.
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The theatre, which is over 135 years old, was on the brink of financial collapse in 2023 after vital funding from Arts Council England was withdrawn, and after Oldham Council declared the building to be ‘no longer fit for purpose’. Following local support and campaigning, it was announced the theatre would receive £10m to help restore the building.