She is one of Coronation Street's most popular characters - on and off screen - so it was an emotional send-off for Julie Hesmondhalgh in Manchester last night.

Julie's leaving bash at Duke's 92 at Castlefield was packed with Corrie stars past and present after she filmed her final scenes as Hayley Cropper after 16 years on the soap.

Many were laden with gifts and cards for Julie, including Alison King who arrived with huge box with red bow.

Meanwhile Corrie beauties Catherine Tyldesley and Brooke Vincent dazzled in festive party styles as they arrived at the bash,  Cath in a stunning purple cocktail dress, and Brooke in bright red trousers.

Julie has been involved in some of Corrie's biggest storylines - ever since she joined in 1998 as the soap's first ever transsexual character.  Her love story with Roy Cropper has been one of soap's enduring partnerships, and David Neilson who plays Roy, was among cast joining the leaving party.

Her departure has certainly been a tearjerker though, after Hayley was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

But Julie has reassured fans, after filming her final scenes this week, that it won't be a miserable Christmas on Weatherfield for Hayley and Roy, tweeting fans to say: "I promise it's not a Xmas tear fest.  We're way past Xmas in Weatherfield now."

Also heading to the party were Jennie McAlpine, Debbie Rush, Sam Aston, Ian Puleston-Davies, Sally Dynevor, Helen Worth, Lisa George, Krissi Bohn, Bruno Langley and former soap favourite Vicky Entwistle.