Corrie’s original Sarah Platt star heartbreakingly died just two months after show debut

Coronation Street’s original Sarah Platt star died just two months after the character was introduced to the ITV soap during the 80s – and her twin took on the role full-time

While Tina O’Brien is best known for playing the role of Sarah Platt on Coronation Street, she didn’t actually originate the role. Instead, her character was first brought to life by newborn twins Leah and Lynsay King in February 1987. The twins were chosen to play the role of Sarah Platt after they were born two months prematurely. According to reports, the show prefers to use identical twins for newborn roles, with Leah and Lynsay being the perfect fit.

Sadly, Leah passed away from cot death at just six months old. After Leah’s heartbreaking passing, Lynsay continued to portray Sarah until 1999.

**Leah, who portrayed Sarah Platt as a newborn on Coronation Street alongside her twin sister, tragically passed away at just six months old** (Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Coronation Street cast members, including Helen Worth, who plays Gail Platt, attended Leah’s funeral at Butler Street Methodist Church in Manchester.

Lynsay has since confessed that growing up on the soap was challenging, as juggling school and learning lines proved difficult. According to reports, she even suffered bullying at school as a result of fame from the hit ITV soap, and she left just before her 13th birthday. Tina O’Brien then took over the role at the age of 16.

In 2004, Lynsay said she quit a drama course and went to work behind the counter at a Greggs store in Manchester. Speaking about this in a previous interview with the Mirror, she said: “I was sick of having no money. It’s hard work at Greggs but I enjoy it – you can have a laugh with the other girls. I hope to go back to my course, but at the moment I’m not doing any drama.”

**Lynsay King continued the role of Sarah Platt on Coronation Street until 1999**

**Tina O’Brien took over the role of Sarah Platt when she was 16 years old** (Image: ITV)

However, Lynsay went on to confess that she regretted leaving the soap. Speaking about leaving the soap, she revealed: “At the time I was relieved to leave, but now I watch and think ‘Why did I get out of it?’ And I do regret it.”

She added during the interview in 2014: “When I watch Tina O’Brien playing Sarah it feels weird. I don’t resent her, but it does upsets me because I’d love to act again.”

Lynsay isn’t thought to have stayed in touch with her Corrie co-stars but did make an emotional return to Weatherfield with other child stars to film a documentary, The Kids From Coronation Street. During her visit, she bumped into Tina in the toilets – which was the first time the two girls had met.