Julie Hesmondhalgh has challenged traditional beauty standards, saying women can be sexually attractive regardless of their appearance. The 56-year-old actress shared her views after appearing on the BBC reality series The Celebrity Traitors. She is best known for playing Hayley Cropper in Coronation Street. However, her time on the latest show ended when fellow contestants banished her from the castle.
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In an interview with The Sunday Times Magazine, Hesmondhalgh reflected on how people have viewed her appearance throughout her career. She has previously been described as someone who is “not traditionally beautiful.” The actress also discussed her role as rape survivor Trish Winterman in the 2017 drama Broadchurch. Her character faced cruel comments that questioned why anyone would target an ordinary-looking, middle-aged woman.
Hesmondhalgh said the role forced her to confront ideas she had absorbed about sexual attractiveness and violence. She admitted that part of her had once believed rape was an act of desire. However, she recognised that rape is an act of violence rooted in power, not attraction. She also acknowledged that she had to challenge the belief that she could not be desirable.
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The actress also referred to her Celebrity Traitors co-star Maya Jama while discussing society’s beauty ideals. Hesmondhalgh said women could be sexually attractive without looking like the television presenter. Her comments challenged the narrow standards often used to define beauty. She highlighted the importance of recognising that attraction comes in many forms.
Hesmondhalgh was the third celebrity contestant to leave The Celebrity Traitors after fellow participants became convinced she was a Traitor. Although her appearance on the show was brief, her comments have drawn attention to wider conversations about women’s appearance and self-worth. Her message encourages people to question assumptions about beauty and desirability. It also highlights how damaging stereotypes can shape the way women see themselves.