Corrie actress pleased Hayley's story has sparked debate

Coronation Street actress Julie Hesmondhalgh has said there has been a great responsibility attached to her character - Hayley Cropper's - departing storyline.

'Hayley' is set to depart the soap by taking her own life while suffering from terminal cancer - a decision that provoked a public debate on the 'right to die' issue.

Speaking on Daybreak this morning, Julie said: "It's been absolutely brilliant that it has started this conversation about the right to die bill. I couldn't be more pleased about that. That's all you can hope for is that people talk about these things in a real way and a new way."