Julie Hesmondhalgh Reveals Alcohol Struggles, Cites Cultural Norms

Julie Hesmondhalgh, known for her role in 'Celebrity Traitors' and formerly as Hayley Cropper in 'Coronation Street,' has revealed that she stopped drinking alcohol in 2018 after fearing she was a 'borderline alcoholic.' The 56-year-old actress shared that her past drinking habits made her behave in ways she now finds embarrassing.

Hesmondhalgh recalled an incident with a taxi driver who remembered driving her years prior. She expressed embarrassment, telling the driver she was sorry if she had been difficult, explaining that any drunken behavior would have been before she quit alcohol. She told The Times, "I absolutely cringe whenever a taxi driver says that because I gave up alcohol eight years ago. If it was before then, there's a good chance I was in a total state - crying or ranting. I spend a lot of time fretting that I've upset people."

She elaborated on the cultural context of drinking in her upbringing, stating, "I absolutely think that there have been times in my life where I was borderline alcoholic. It's hard when you've grown up in the Eighties and Nineties as a working-class northerner because it was such a big part of the culture."

In related comments, Hesmondhalgh also addressed perceptions of female attractiveness in the entertainment industry. Reflecting on her role in 'Broadchurch' and internalised misogyny, she noted the importance of distinguishing between desire and violence, particularly in the context of rape. She also mentioned how she navigizes her own perceived attractiveness, stating, "I just have to remember that women understand that you can be sexually attractive without looking like Maya Jama."

During her time on 'Celebrity Traitors,' Hesmondhalgh endeared herself to viewers with her starstruck reactions to co-stars like James Blunt and Myha'la Herrold. Despite her enthusiastic reception from fans, she was ultimately banished from the show, with the host Claudia Winkleman remarking that the remaining contestants had "just banished an innocent victim."