Actress Helen Worth is to leave the ITV soap after 50 years
Corrie favourite Gail Platt will have her seventh wedding on the ITV soap before making a dramatic exit from the cobbles. As her final storyline kicked off this week, Weatherfield saw the return of Gail’s love interest Jesse Chadwick, played by John Thomson. And inside sources told how as the storyline progresses, the iconic character – played by Helen Worth for 50 years – will be seen preparing to walk down the aisle yet again.
It is understood the wedding scenes are currently being filmed at the Manchester set. But viewers will have to wait to see if the Street legend says ‘I Do’. One inside source said: “Helen and Gail have been part of the fabric of Coronation Street since 1974, so only a truly big exit storyline would be fitting for her.
“The wedding scenes are being filmed at the moment and when they air, viewers will be gripped. As with any soap wedding, they will have to wait to see whether Gail makes it down the aisle or not. And with a character as popular as her, they will be hoping she finally gets a happy ending.”
Coronation Street favourite Gail welcomes a blast from the past on the soap (Image: ITV)
Helen, 73, revealed earlier this year that she will be leaving Weatherfield after five decade as Gail. Sharing the news of her exit, the actress said: “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. 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.”
Following her announcement in June, it was revealed that Gail’s ex Martin Platt (Sean Wilson) was to return to the cobbles as part of her exit storyline. But he was dramatically axed after beginning filming, with the scenes he had recorded scrapped. It is understood the decision was made after “a concern was raised” to ITV bosses. And instead it was another ex – Jesse – who made his return. A Corrie spokeswoman declined to comment.
