Soap actress Helen Worth is poised to make her farewell appearance on Coronation Street this Christmas Day, concluding over five decades in the role.
The 73-year-old first appeared as Gail Platt on July 29, 1974, and has been central to numerous significant story arcs throughout her time on the show.
In June, she expressed that her milestone anniversary felt like the “ideal moment to depart from the series,” having decided to leave earlier in the year.
“I have been genuinely fortunate to receive remarkable scripts week after week, and to collaborate with exceptional actors, directors, and a fantastic production team,” she remarked when her exit was confirmed.
“The last 50 years have passed in the blink of an eye, and I don’t believe the reality of my departure has fully registered with me just yet.”
Helen Worth. Pic: PA
Her character’s arcs have included her complex interactions with her children Nick (Ben Price), Sarah (Tina O’Brien), and David (Jack P Shepherd), as well as her mother Audrey (Sue Nicholls).
Over the years, Gail has had five husbands, with her departure storyline centered around the question of whether she will reach the altar with a sixth partner, Jesse Chadwick (John Thompson).
In the episode airing on Christmas Eve, her deceased ex-husband and serial killer Richard Hillman (Brian Capron) made an eerie return after two decades.
During a dream segment, Hillman cautioned Gail against proceeding with her wedding.
Helen Worth (as Gail Platt) and Graham Haberfield (as Jerry Booth) pictured in an episode in 1975. Pic: ITV/Shutterstock
The original exit storyline for Gail was intended to involve Sean Wilson reprising his role as Martin Platt, but had to be rewritten following the 59-year-old’s unexpected departure from the show for “personal reasons”.
The actor later alleged that he was dismissed by the soap’s management following the emergence of a historical assault claim, which he disputes.
He was subsequently informed that no further action would be pursued following a police investigation.
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At the time of Worth’s announcement, Coronation Street’s executive producer Iain MacLeod referred to her as a “legend” and “icon.”
“Gail has provided us with endless hours of entertainment, but it must be noted that Helen herself is a consummate professional and a genuinely good person,” he stated.
“Everyone associated with the show will greatly miss her presence, just as much as the audience will miss seeing her on their screens. We wish her all the best for her future endeavors.”
Gail’s concluding appearance on Coronation Street is set to air at 7pm on ITV 1 on Christmas Day.
