It’s the end of an era – Gail Chadwick (Helen Worth) has left the cobbles of Coronation Street after 50 incredible years.
You heard us – Gail Chadwick! She’s made Jesse (John Thomson) the sixth man to walk her down the aisle, and after a rocky start to their wedding day, drove off into the sunset for their new life in the south of France.
Following months of speculation surrounding her exit story, we had tears in our eyes as she was waved off and finally got her happily ever after.
The episode was packed full of nostalgia, kicking off with a major return – a water-logged Richard Hillman (Brian Capron) appeared as a ghostly vision to give his ex-wife some words of wisdom.
As they danced around the room, Hillman told Gail that they should’ve died together at the bottom of the canal 21 years ago, but he’d forgiven her!
Over the road, Jesse was wondering how to repair his relationship after spending a night on old flame Eileen Grimshaw’s (Sue Cleaver) sofa. He was well and truly in the dog house after Gail learnt about his deceit.
As viewers of the ITV soap have seen, David (Jack P. Shepherd) stole a wad of cash from gangster Harvey Gaskell (Will Mellor) to buy his family home. Jesse kept the scheme quiet, a move which infuriated his wife-to-be.
Having reconciled, the celebrations got underway as Jesse poured drinks in the Rovers. There was one catch… Gail’s mum Audrey Roberts (Sue Nicholls) hadn’t managed to win her round.
She rushed over to the bistro to wish her luck, and admitted that if she could turn back the clock she would.
The emotional scene between on-screen mother and daughter tugged at our heartstrings, as the real life bond between Sue and Helen that began in 1979 shone through.
Following the vows, we were then treated to a series of video tributes from Gail’s nearest and dearest – and even archenemy Eileen!
Her best pal Sally Metcalfe (Sally Dynevor) was less than impressed that her monologue had been pushed behind a number of other locals.
It wouldn’t be a Platt family wedding without some extra tidbits of drama, as David had an altercation with Adam Barlow (Sam Robertson) atop the builders yard balcony which resulted in the Scotsman flying down the staircase.
A fight broke out in the bistro between sisters Leanne (Jane Danson) and Toyah Battersby (Georgia Taylor), with them both carted off to the police station with Gail’s eldest son Nick Tilsley (Ben Price).
Outside, Daniel Osbourne (Rob Mallard) popped the question to girlfriend Bethany Platt (Lucy Fallon).
The instalment was a demonstration that, even without the influence of their matriarch, the clan’s troubles would be set to continue for years to come.
As the day came to a close, Gail sat alone to watch the aforementioned videos. Audrey walked over and told her that the plane to paradise couldn’t wait – it was time to leave.
Jesse arranged for a classic car to take them to the airport, and Gail told her children – who were all her favourites – that her ‘work was done.’
Sally asked it was goodbye, but her friend insisted that it was just an ‘au revoir.’
‘Are you ready, Mrs Chadwick?’ asked Jesse as the car rolled down the street, to which Gail replied: ‘Ready as I’ll ever be, Mr Chadwick.’
Another chapter on the Coronation Street of old, closed. We’ll miss ya, Gail!
Discussing her exit, Helen Worth said: ‘It’s been a fabulous fifty years, and I just wanted to thank all of you, some of you who may have been watching for fifty years. Is there anybody? And those of you who’ve been watching for a few years. Thank you.
“Thanks for coming on the journey with me. I‘ve had a wonderful time. I’ve loved it all.
‘All the stories, and of course, working with the wonderful Platts, which, for me, is what it’s all about. And there’ll be more Platt stories, and I hope you’ll be watching.
“Lots of love and thanks from me. Bye.
Coronation Street airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
