#GoodbyeHayley – the Twitter reaction

Last night took telly viewers on a sad and sombre trip to Coronation Street. There were no spats in the pub, no sparky exchanges in the corner shop… The two half-hour episodes instead focused on the departure of a well-loved character.

After 16 years on the cobbled streets of Corrie, Hayley Cropper said her goodbyes, taking her own life after her cancer became terminal.

Coronation Street fans were impressed by the show’s handling of a difficult issue, and many were moved to tears…

Powerful, brave & heartbreaking telly. Oh Hayley, how we'll miss you. #goodbyeHayley #corrie

— Corrie Corfield (@corrie_corfield) January 20, 2014

That was the saddest episode of Coronation Street I've ever seen. #GoodbyeHayley

— Alan P (@tycoonalan) January 20, 2014

Such a dignified and respected storyline for an amazing actress. Goodbye Hayley. #GoodbyeHayley pic.twitter.com/KyXC1wiazF

— Liam Cronin (@lwcronin) January 20, 2014

Oh my goodness. It's only a soap, it's only a soap, it's only a soap. Stop crying. Stop crying. Stop crying. #Corrie #GoodbyeHayley

— Rebekka-Mary Darling (@RebekkaMary) January 20, 2014

Wow. That was quite something. Powerful stuff. Exhausted watching it. Well done one and all #GoodbyeHayley

— Antony Cotton (@antonycotton) January 21, 2014

Sobbing and wailing at Corrie on catch up. So beautifully scripted #GoodbyeHayley

— Rachel Richardson (@RachelARich) January 20, 2014

Goodbye Hayley. What an amazing journey you’ve had in your 16 years on The Cobbles. Rest in peace, we will miss you #GoodbyeHayley

— #GoodbyeHayley (@corriespoil) January 20, 2014

Even celebrities were struggling to hold back the tears…

Nice one Corrie

— richard bacon (@richardpbacon) January 20, 2014

If anyone can help me find my eyes before tomorrow's @Daybreak I'd be grateful #Corrie #hayleyRIP

— Richard Arnold (@RichardAArnold) January 20, 2014

I know I'm not the only one blubbing at corrie
So sad

— Lorraine (@reallorraine) January 20, 2014

#corrie #GoodbyeHayley whole nation now need a cuddle. Brilliant episode. Love to all who have lost dear ones. Xx

— Zoe Ball (@ZoeTheBall) January 20, 2014

I've cried to the point of feeling sick #GoodbyeHayley

— Catherine Tyldesley (@Cath_Tyldesley) January 20, 2014

Such sad scenes but so beautifully acted #GoodbyeHayley

— Bobby Norris (@BobbyCNorris) January 20, 2014

Anybody else inconsolably crying over Hayley and Roy or is it just me? #corrie #GoodbyeHayley

— Chanelle Hayes (@chanellejhayes) January 20, 2014

Beautifully written, exceptionally performed. Amazing #Corrie. #GoodbyeHayley

— Chris Geere (@cwgeere) January 20, 2014

One very dedicated fan even decided to honour Hayley with his choice of outfit…

Not ashamed to say I'm wearing a red fleece and mourning suit and tie for Hayley. #GoodbyeHayley #coronationstreet pic.twitter.com/2uS2otGRYM

— Ben Llewelyn (@benllewelyn) January 20, 2014

While the actress who played Hayley Cropper, Julie Hesmondhalgh herself, took to Twitter to say her final goodbye to the red anorak-wearing Corrie character…

Night night Mrs Cropper. Thanks for an incredible 16 years. Xxxx

— Julie Hesmondhalgh (@juliehes) January 21, 2014

Sob. Someone pass the tissues!

Coronation Street continues on Wednesday at 7:00pm on ITV.

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