Tracy Barlow is everyone's favourite antagonist on Coronation Street.
The character, who is married to Steve McDonald, has been played by Salford star Kate Ford since 2002.
But while she skillfully portrays Tracy with ease - which scored her the 'Best B*tch' British Soap Award in 2004 and 2005 for her work on Corrie - the actress has been battling with an illness behind the scenes.