Coronation Street star Helen Worth has announced that she will be departing the long-running ITV soap later this year in an explosive new storyline involving her character Gail Platt’s entire family. This follows her almost 50-year stint on the show, during which Gail has survived a series of dramatic storylines including being married five times, suffering a minor heart attack, a failed life insurance scheme leading to her husband’s death, and the dramatic revelation of her daughter’s teenage pregnancy. Fans are speculating about the nature of Gail’s exit, with some fearing she may be killed off as the show has a history of tragic endings for her character.
One of Gail’s most iconic storylines was a two-hander episode with her serial killer husband Richard Hillman, in which he confesses to his crimes before driving their family into a canal. The intense episode drew almost 20 million viewers and caused a massive power surge across Britain as viewers sought to calm their nerves afterwards. Despite facing numerous challenges and near-death experiences, including being pushed down the stairs by her son David, Gail has also had moments of comedic relief on the show, like a fight with Eileen Grimshaw over family drama. Her character’s struggles have resonated with viewers who fear she may not get a happy ending as she exits the show.
Helen Worth will start filming her exit storyline next month, with the emotional scenes set to air at the end of the year. The actress, who has been on the show since the beginning, spoke about her decision to leave, expressing gratitude for the incredible scripts, cast, and crew she has worked with over the years. Executive producer Iain Macleod praised Helen’s portrayal of Gail, highlighting her significant impact on the show and the memorable storylines she brought to life. Colleagues and co-stars have also paid tribute to Helen, describing her as a guiding light and a consummate professional.
In 2000, Gail and her daughter made headlines when it was revealed that Sarah was pregnant at the age of 13, sparking a controversial yet praised storyline tackling teenage pregnancy. Gail’s on-screen life has been far more tumultuous than her real-life counterpart, as she once admitted that she would be in a mental institution if her life mirrored Gail’s. Despite dealing with the challenging narratives on Coronation Street, Helen has been known to easily switch off from her character after work, avoiding potential stress. Her decision to leave comes as a significant milestone, as she has been an integral part of the show’s success for decades.
The departure of Helen Worth from Coronation Street comes at a time when the show has experienced a decline in viewership, prompting discussions about potential changes to attract a new audience. With streaming services becoming more popular, even among older viewers, ITV is considering ways to revamp its soaps like Coronation Street and Emmerdale. Helen’s decision to sign a new one-year contract worth £250,000 was seen as a positive move for the show, providing stability during a challenging period. As fans prepare to say goodbye to Gail Platt, they reflect on the impact of the character and the actress who brought her to life on television screens for nearly 50 years.
