Julie Hesmondhalgh Discusses Body Image and Desirability

Julie Hesmondhalgh, known for her role in "The Traitors" and previously as Hayley Cropper in "Coronation Street," has spoken candidly about her views on desirability and the complexities of female attractiveness. Hesmondhalgh, 56, who was recently banished from "The Traitors," reflected on her public image in an interview with The Sunday Times Magazine.

Hesmondhalgh recalled her 2017 role as Trish Winterman, a rape survivor in "Broadchurch." Her character was described in the script as an "ordinary-looking middle-aged woman" and faced the line, "Of all the women at that party, why would someone rape you? It doesn’t make sense." Reflecting on this, Hesmondhalgh stated, "Part of me still believed rape is an act of desire when it’s not. It’s an act of violence and it’s about power. But yes, I had to fight the idea that I could not be desirable."

She further commented on the societal emphasis on specific types of attractiveness, referencing her "Traitors" co-star Maya Jama. "I just have to remember that women understand that you can be sexually attractive without looking like Maya Jama," Hesmondhalgh said. She also shared an anecdote about receiving a script that involved a flirtatious scene, which initially caused her to feel insecure about her appearance.

During her time on "The Traitors," Hesmondhalgh endeared herself to viewers with her enthusiastic and starstruck demeanor. She expressed excitement about meeting fellow cast members, including singer James Blunt and actress Myha'la, sharing her admiration for their work. Fans on social media platform X expressed delight at her genuine reactions, with one viewer noting, "Julie Hesmondhalgh looking like she's just delighted to have been invited to the castle is already one of my favourite things about this series."

Despite her popularity with viewers, Hesmondhalgh was the third contestant to be banished from the show. She and Hannah Fry were at the center of intense roundtable discussions before Hesmondhalgh received the majority of votes. Speaking after her banishment, Hesmondhalgh expressed her enjoyment of the experience, stating, "You know how much I have loved every second of this experience... It has been immense, even chuffed to bits standing here because it is iconic. Alas, it may mean that I am not a phenomenal actor. I am indeed a Faithful."

Her exit surprised many of her castmates, with comedian Miranda Hart expressing anger and James Blunt apologizing for his role in her banishment. Host Claudia Winkleman acknowledged the irony of the situation, telling the remaining Faithfuls, "Faithful, you have just banished an innocent victim. You are doing the Traitors' work for them."