Coronation Street star says ‘it’s breaking my heart’ as they film sad exit

As fans of the ITV soap know, Gail Platt will soon be waving her goodbyes to Weatherfield

Coronation Street star Sue Cleaver has confirmed filming is still ongoing for one of her beloved co-star’s upcoming exit – and she says it’s ‘breaking her heart’.

As fans of the ITV soap know, Gail Platt will soon be waving her goodbyes to Weatherfield after an incredible 50 years. It was announced back in June that Helen Worth would be bowing out of the iconic role after five decades.

She was said to have started filming her exit as Platt matriarch Gail in July with her last scenes set to air by the end of 2024. Confirming the reason behind her exit, Helen, 73, said in a statement: “This year felt like the perfect time to leave the show after celebrating 50 years in the most wonderful job on the most wonderful street in the world.

“I made the decision at the start of the year and spoke to the producers who were very kind and understanding.” She added: “I have been truly blessed to have been given the most incredible scripts week in week out, and to have worked with fantastic actors, directors and a brilliant crew. The past 50 years have flown by and I don’t think the fact that I am leaving has quite sunk in yet.”

Now, during an appearance on ITV’s Lorraine on Thursday (September 26), Sue confirmed she was back on the cobbles after a stint on stage in Sister Act The Musical over the summer and mentioned Helen’s exit.

The actress, who plays Eileen Grimshaw in the ITV soap, told host Lorraine Kelly: “I’m back in now, I’m back filming and of course, we’re filming Helen Worth’s leaving story which is breaking my heart because I have a connection with Helen as well.”

**Sue and Helen playing Eileen and Gail in Corrie** (Image: ITV)

Lorraine then explained: “You do because Helena actually knew your birth mother really well…” Sue, who was adopted at 10 days old, continued: “She was Godmother to my two half-sisters… Helen has known me since I was 23 and quite often over the years Helen would just look at me and go, ‘That laugh, that was Lesley’s laugh then!'”

Recalling one of Eileen and Gail’s famous catfights as a clip was shown on-screen, Sue, 61, revealed: “When were doing that it was pouring with rain and she was straddling me. It was in between a take that we looked at each other and we said, ‘This is the most ridiculous way to pay the mortgage!’ And it is. She’s sat on top of me in the pouring rain…”