Coronation Street star Julia Haworth portrayed Claire Peacock on the ITV soap for several years – but where is the actress now?
Coronation Street’s Claire Peacock left the ITV soap 15 years ago this week – but where is actress Julia Haworth now?
Claire first appeared on the long-running series in 2003 as Ashley Peacock’s new nanny, hired to care for his young son Joshua. It wasn’t long before romance blossomed, with Claire falling in love with her employer and eventually marrying Ashley, firmly establishing herself as part of the Peacock family on the famous cobbles.
During her time on the show, Claire was at the centre of several major storylines, most notably her heartbreaking battle with postnatal depression following the birth of their son Freddie. She later faced further tragedy with Ashley’s death in 2010, when he was killed in the dramatic tram disaster that marked Coronation Street’s 50th anniversary, according to the Mirror.
In January 2011, Claire made her exit from Weatherfield, leaving the street behind to begin a new chapter of her life in France. But what became of the actress who brought her to life?
Why did Julia Haworth decide to leave Coronation Street?
In 2010, Coronation Street’s then-new producer Phil Collinson decided not to renew the contracts of Steven Arnold and Julia Haworth, paving the way for Ashley and Claire Peacock’s exit from the soap. At the time, Phil explained that the characters had been a key part of Weatherfield for many years, but that change was inevitable in any community.
He said that both actors and the production team felt the characters had reached a turning point, with fewer story opportunities available and the roles no longer proving as creatively rewarding. As a result, it was mutually agreed to plan an on-screen departure for the Peacock family, allowing the actors to pursue fresh challenges while the show delivered a dramatic exit storyline.
Phil added that he wished Steven and Julia – along with the young actors who played sons Joshua and Freddie – every success in the future.
So, what has Julia Haworth been doing since leaving Coronation Street?
After leaving Coronation Street, Julia continued to enjoy a successful acting career, appearing in a wide range of television shows. From 2018 to 2019, she played Laura Wade in the BBC soap Doctors, and later joined the cast of ITV drama The Bay during its second series.
She has also featured in the American drama The Royals alongside Liz Hurley and appeared as Doris Owen in the tenth series of the much-loved BBC drama Call the Midwife in 2021. More recently, Julia portrayed Pamela Parks in the BBC series A Kind of Spark.
Julia and her husband Jon.
The former soap star is married to accountant Jon Wormald. The pair met in 2003 and, according to Julia, it was love at first sight.
Recalling their first meeting, she told People in 2008: “I remember looking at Jon and thinking he was gorgeous and that I could marry him. I’d never felt that way before, but I just knew it was right.”
Their relationship quickly blossomed, and the couple tied the knot in 2006 at St Stephen’s Church in Burnley. Several of Julia’s Coronation Street co-stars attended the wedding, including Steven Arnold, Kate Ford — who plays Tracy Barlow — and Jane Danson, best known for her role as Leanne Battersby. Julia and Jon later welcomed their first daughter in 2008, followed by a second daughter in 2013.
Julia’s inspiring teaching role
In 2018, Julia chose to put her acting experience to good use by revealing plans to gain a teaching qualification at Bolton College, with the aim of inspiring the next generation of performers. Speaking to The Bolton News, she explained that as a working actor, the expertise and skills she shares with Performing Arts students are fully current, accurate and directly relevant to today’s entertainment industry.
She added that this was especially important in an ever-evolving profession and crucial in supporting students’ future career prospects.
Through her teaching role, Julia helped aspiring actors develop their craft, while also supporting them in creating showreels and offering practical guidance on auditions and the realities of working on a television set.
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